Antefix

: For a more elegant look, many Greek and Roman buildings used stylized palm fronds or floral patterns, which symbolized growth and eternal life. From Terracotta to Marble

: 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. antefix

: 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 : For a more elegant look, many Greek

While grand imperial buildings might use richly carved , the majority of antefixes were made from molded terracotta . Where to See Them Today While grand imperial

: It provides a rhythmic, decorative border that breaks up the repetition of plain roof tiles. Myth and Magic: The Apotropaic Power

You can find stunning examples of original antefixes at several world-class institutions: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Art museum ClosedNew York, NY, United States