Antefixa

Ornaments of terra-cotta which were placed above the cornice, at the end of each row of tiles on a roof (Fig. 29 ). They were also used in ancient times for decorating the ridge of a roof. We po e specimens of antefixa remarkable for delicacy of design and execution; such were the antefixa of the temple of Diana Propylæa at Eleusis, and the various Etruscan specimens to be found in our museums. They were decorated with masks, leaves, and especially palms painted to imitate nature or in different colours. The Etruscans employed coloured antefixa only; many specimens of these last may be seen at the Louvre, and in the museums of Perugia, Florence, and Naples. The Antefixa of the Par the non were of marble. (Fig. 30.) IMG:6949005855195395773_fig_030.jpg: Fig. 30. Antefixa in marble from the Par the non.