Make an Antefix
This activity offers an opportunity for students to reinforce their knowledge and understanding of ancient architecture that they explored at the Getty Villa. Use the information below to explain or review what an antefix is. Students can then follow instructions to create their own antefix based on an ancient model.

What is an antefix?
The roof tiles running along the eaves of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan buildings often ended in upright ornaments called antefixes. They were made out of clay molded into shapes, such as plants, animals, and heads of humans or mythological creatures. These architectural details were both decorative and functional—they covered and protected exposed wooden parts of the architecture from the elements. 

Show students pictures of antefixes from the Getty Museum and remind them about the functions of antefixes. Use images from the slideshow Architecture and Gardens at the Villa from the pre-visit activity (slides 11–13). You can also search the Internet for other examples of antefixes. Find antefixes in the Getty Museum’s collection here: http://www.getty.edu/art/collectionSearch/collectionSearch?col=museum&nh=10&pw=100%25&lk=1&qt=antefix&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

Gorgon Head Antefix, unknown Greek artist, 500–480 B.C. Terracotta, 8 3/16 x 8 9/16 in.

This antefix from the Getty Museum’s collection depicts the head of a gorgon. In Greek mythology, gorgons were beasts who could turn beholders to stone. Thus, this is an example of an antefix that served more than a decorative purpose: its maker believed that it could help ward off evil. The petrifying head of this gorgon, its staring eyes, grimacing mouth, protruding tongue, and snaky hair, exploits the gorgon's protective power. An artisan added bright paint to emphasize the antefix's effect and visibility.

How to Make an Antefix

The antefixes students create can be purely decorative, like the palmette antefixes seen on the roof of the Getty Villa. Or, students can send a message, as seen in the gorgon-head antefix from the Getty Museum’s collection pictured above. 

You will need:
Download the paper outline from the Getty Web site
Cardboard (you can use a cereal box), or cardstock to reinforce the stand
Scissors
Glue
Colored pencils, markers, crayons

Instructions

Download the outline of an antefix from the Getty Web site: 
http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/trippack/villa_architecture.html

Print out one copy for each of your students. 

Students can decorate the antefix using media like crayons, markers, and collage. 

Once students have decorated their antefixes, follow the directions on the antefix outline sheet to create supports for the antefixes so that they can be displayed standing up. Display the completed antefixes in your classroom as a reminder of your visit to the Getty Villa!