The Menil Collection The Menil Collection

This antefix, an architectural element that would have decorated the edge of a roof, most likely represents a goddess. She wears a polos, a type of hat or crown associated with depictions of female deities. While the head was made with a mold, the polos was added separately. This figural terracotta was recomposed from four large fragments, with an additional modern restoration of one lower section of hair. Stylistic features from the extant pieces date the antefix to the last quarter of the 7th century BCE, including the slight lift of the corners of the mouth (referred to as an “Archaic smile”), the almond-shaped eyes, and the three long locks of hair on either side of her face. The forward-facing ears and narrow face are similar to examples from Thermos, also known as Thermon, in Aetolia, and to antefixes from sites in Crete. Traces of paint remain on the surface, including a reddish-brown and white.