Antefix Figure Item Number: 3053/1 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Terracotta antefix of face with exaggerated features. The mouth smiles in a toothless, widely curving grin, over a round chin. Nose is small with a concave bridge, brow descending in a thick centre point over top. Eyes are small and protrude slightly. Back of piece is flat, with construction marks crossing the surface. Figure is made of orange-grey clay with some shell and pebble inclusions.
History Of Use
An antefix is a block that finishes the covering tiles of a tiled roof. In the Roman era they were often terracotta, decorated with figures.
Narrative
Williams purchased the piece from Charles Ede Antiquities in London in 2013. Said to have previously come from an English private collection.
Iconographic Meaning
Face made in the form of a Greek theatre comic actor's mask (a clever slave) with exaggerated features.
Item History
- Made in Italy ? between 100 and 200
- Owned by Hector Williams before March 28, 2014
- Received from Hector Williams (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source) on March 28, 2014
What
Who
- Culture
- Roman
- Previous Owner
- Hector Williams
- Received from
- Hector Williams (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Acquisitions Budget (Funding source)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Italy ?
When
- Creation Date
- between 100 and 200
- Ownership Date
- before March 28, 2014
- Acquisition Date
- on March 28, 2014
Other
- Item Classes
- ceramics
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 96
- Accession Number
- 3053/0001