Greek Terracotta Gorgon Head Appliqué
Greek Terracotta Gorgon Head Appliqué

Greek Terracotta Gorgon Head Appliqué

£ 250.00

A small, Ancient Greek, terracotta gorgoneion fitting. The face is moulded to depict a gorgon with a wide mouth stretched into a grin, with two long tusks protruding above and below, and a lolling tongue. The figure’s cheeks are puffed out, and the forehead bears a fringe of tight curls. The reverse is flat and unworked.

Date: 5th-4th century BC
Provenance: Kuizenga collection, the Netherlands, acquired in Dortmund, 15th November 1993.
Condition: Fine condition. Vertical repair down the face, very minor surface cracks consistent with age.

In stock

SKU: AP-25 Category: Tag:

In Greek Mythology, Gorgons, best known from the story of Medusa, were ferocious monsters, with writhing snakes for hair, large fangs, scaly skin, and mythical powers. Their monstrous appearance was believed to have apotropaic powers: they could ward off evil and bad luck. Thus, gorgoneions, representations of a Gorgon’s head, particularly that of Medusa, often appeared on objects, buildings, and even coffins for protection.

Weight 8.5 g
Dimensions W 4 x H 4 cm
Culture

Region

Pottery and Porcelain

Reference: For a similar item, Ashmolean Museum, AN1947.249

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