Greek Terracotta Gorgoneion Fitting

Within Greek Mythology, the Gorgons were but one of various triumvirates, a group of three, who had mythical powers. They were known as ferocious monsters, who had writhing snake hair, large fangs and scaly skin, most famous being Medusa. Medusa, unlike her two sisters Stheno and Euryale, was mortal. It was her mortality that allowed Perseus, the Greek hero, to slaughter her. Despite their often monstrous appearance, it was believed that images of the Gorgons had apotropaic powers and could ward off evil and bad luck. Thus, gorgoneions, a representation of a Gorgon’s head, particularly that of Medusa, often appeared on objects and buildings for protection.