Gorgoneion Antefix (Ornamental Roof Tile)
Unknown Artist
c. 500 BCE
Medium
Terracotta (mold-made)
Dimensions
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Classification
Ceramic
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Cleveland Museum of Art
Credit
Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund
Accession Number
2021.3
About this artwork
This mold-made terracotta antefix, a type of ornamental roof tile, takes the form of a Gorgoneion, a disembodied Gorgon head. Nearly circular in shape, it features bulging, almond-shaped eyes and a grinning mouth with wide tongue and sharp teeth or tusks. S-shaped serpents surround the head, some standing tall. Traces of pigment suggest a more vivid original appearance, perhaps considered both terrifying and protective.