Etruscan Terracotta Female Head Antefix - 17.2×--×-- cm

In the form of a female head with almond-shaped eyes, arching brows and 'archaic smile', remains of attachment arch at back Note Etruscan buildings were often constructed from perishable materials, and the upper parts were protected by decorative polychrome terracotta elements. Antefixes were made in a mold, they were generally modeled in the form of a male or female face. During the early 5th century BC, the female face began to break free of Archaic conventions. During the Archaic period, the workshops at Caere in southern Etruria produced a large number of architectural terracottas designed to decorate temples and sanctuaries. Antefixes had a triple function : placed on the eaves of the roof, they concealed the ends of the convex tiles and protected them from bad weather. They were also part of the architectural decoration. Finally, they had an apotropaic function, banishing bad luck and bad influences from temples. Provrannce Private collection in Switzerland, acquired at Basel’s art market in 1985 Buyer's terms Worldwide shipping. No export permit needed to ship from Switzerland. Buyers have to cover transport costs and any additional import costs (e. g. VAT, import levies) . You also acknowledge and accept that you are responsible for checking if there is any specific rule or restriction applicable to the import of an object into your country. The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot. The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged. The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.