antefix

antefix Antefixes

A decorative addition to the edges of a roof which serves to mask the end of the cover tile and joint of the pan tiles. Antefixes were placed either directly on the eaves tiles or on top of the sima. They could also be placed astride the roof ridge. Made of either terracotta or stone, their external faces were painted and/or moulded with floral patterns (e.g., palmettes and lotuses) or animate subjects (e.g., human or silen heads or running figures).

• Sima
• Tiles