Greek sima with shape of lion head (Waterspout)

2.300,00

In stock

SKU: 12466 Category: Tags: , , , ,
 

Description

ITEMSima with shape of lion head (Waterspout)
MATERIALMarble
CULTUREGreek, Hellenistic
PERIOD2nd – 1st Century B.C
DIMENSIONS78 mm x 103 mm x 110 mm
CONDITIONGood condition
PROVENANCEEx Austrian private collection, Wien, acquired before 1990s

The Greek sima with a lion head shape was an architectural element used in classical Greek temples, primarily serving as a decorative and functional feature of the roof. The sima was a gutter-like structure placed along the edges of a temple’s roof to channel rainwater away from the building. Lion head-shaped simae were particularly popular in the Archaic and Classical periods, and they acted as waterspouts, allowing rainwater to be expelled through the lion’s mouth. This design was both practical and symbolic, as lions were often associated with strength and protection in ancient Greek culture.

The lion-headed sima was typically made of terracotta or marble, depending on the temple’s overall construction material. Terracotta versions were more common in earlier periods, especially in regions like Ionia, where decorated roof tiles and architectural ornaments were often crafted from baked clay. In contrast, the grand temples of mainland Greece, such as those in Athens and Olympia, favored marble simae, which were intricately carved to depict realistic lion heads with expressive features. These elements not only served to prevent water damage to the temple’s walls and foundation but also added an imposing and decorative aspect to the structure.

Beyond their practical use, lion-headed simae carried religious and artistic significance. The lion was a potent symbol of divine power and protection, and its presence on temple roofs may have been intended to guard sacred spaces from malevolent forces. The artistic variations in the sculpting of lion heads also reflect the evolution of Greek architectural styles, with early examples displaying more stylized features and later ones exhibiting greater naturalism. Some of the finest surviving examples of these simae have been found in temples such as the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Zeus at Olympia, showcasing the Greeks’ mastery of blending functionality with artistic excellence in their architectural elements.