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Artwork Page for Gorgoneion Plaque

Details / Information for Gorgoneion Plaque

Gorgoneion Plaque

c. 525–475 BCE
terracotta
Overall: 6.9 x 6.9 cm (2 11/16 x 2 11/16 in.)
Gift of Robert Haber 1996.34
Location: 102D Pre-Roman
Public Domain
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Did You Know?

The gorgoneion, or disembodied head of Medusa, may have served as protection against evils.

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.

Gorgoneion Plaque

c. 525–475 BCE

Greece, South Italy

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