Description
Probably meant to decorate the outside of a wooden coffin or other tomb furniture, this small mold-made terracotta plaque is one of two in the collection (click here for the other). Both bear gorgoneia, or frontal Gorgon faces, with snaky hair, sharp teeth, and protruding tongue, perhaps meant to ward off evils. A bit of fingerprint survives on the reverse, likely from its ancient maker.
Provenance
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Accession Number
1996.34
Medium
terracotta
Dimensions
Overall: 6.9 x 6.9 cm (2 11/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
Classification
Sculpture
Credit Line
Gift of Robert Haber