While grand imperial buildings might use richly carved , the majority of antefixes were made from molded terracotta .
An antefix (from the Latin antefigere , meaning "to fasten before") is a vertical block positioned at the eaves of a tiled roof. Its primary job is to :
: Because they were mold-made, they could be produced in large quantities, allowing even private houses to have a touch of decorative protection. Where to See Them Today antefix
Common designs you’ll see on these "roof guardians" include:
: It provides a rhythmic, decorative border that breaks up the repetition of plain roof tiles. Myth and Magic: The Apotropaic Power While grand imperial buildings might use richly carved
: Don't let the plain clay in museums fool you—ancient antefixes were originally painted in bold reds, blues, and whites to make them pop against the skyline.
The Hidden Guardians of Ancient Rooflines: A Guide to the Antefix Where to See Them Today Common designs you’ll
Features a full-scale reconstruction of an Etruscan temple where you can see antefixes in their original positions. The British Museum ClosedLondon, United Kingdom