Antefix (vertical roof tile that conceals the covering tiles of a roof) in the shape of a satyr head
Antefix (vertical roof tile that conceals the covering tiles of a roof) in the shape of a satyr head

On view

Ancient Mediterranean Art

Antefix (vertical roof tile that conceals the covering tiles of a roof) in the shape of a satyr head,

late 6th century BCE

South Italian
Archaic Period, ca. 600–480 BCE
y1964-111

The invention of fired-clay roof tiles inadvertently changed what Greek temples looked like. Water-resistant and nonflammable, tiles had benefits over thatching, but they also weighed more. A low roof slope kept tiles from sliding off, but it altered the silhouette of the building, so that the eaves (the edges of the roof) instead of the ridge stood out. Long before gargoyles, end tiles (antefixes) populated rooftops with monsters. This snake-haired gorgon and donkey-eared satyr would have watched from above with wide-open eyes and perked-up ears. Mass-produced from molds, these hybrid creatures are the guard dogs of the gods. Behave!

Samuel Holzman, Assistant Professor of Art and Archaeology, Stanley J. Seeger ’52 Center for Hellenic Studies, Princeton University

Information

Title
Antefix (vertical roof tile that conceals the covering tiles of a roof) in the shape of a satyr head
Dates

late 6th century BCE

Medium
Terracotta
Dimensions
21.0 x 23.1 x 4.3 cm (8 1/4 x 9 1/8 x 1 11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Edward Sampson, Class of 1914, for the Alden Sampson Collection
Object Number
y1964-111
Place Made

Europe, Italy, Gela, Sicily, or southern Italy

Culture
Greek, South Italian
Period
Archaic (Greek)
Type
antefixes
Materials
terracotta
Subject
faces, mythical or legendary beings, satyrs

Given to the Museum by Edward Sampson

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