# What is the proper architectural term for a line of decorative statues on the roofs of buildings. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 27, 2018, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339 "2018-08-27T07:58:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 17\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 7:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/1 "2018-08-27T07:58:47Z")
Hi What is the proper architectural term for a line of decorative statues on the roofs of buildings. I’ve seen them in Moscow. I look forward to your feedback ---
**Author:** ![Banksiaman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banksiaman/32/3334_2.png) [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 8:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/2 "2018-08-27T08:31:44Z")
My immediate thought was a Frieze - which is a band towards the top of the wall and which can be decorated flat, eg with mosaic or tilework, in bas relief which is raised, or can include free-standing figures in the round. Is that what you meant, or did you mean on top of the roof? The classical architectural term for a decorative sculpture or element, say at the junction of the corners of a roof, or the ends of the ridge is an akroteria. Gargoyles on roofs are an example of akroteria. ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/3 "2018-08-27T08:52:26Z")
> [@Banksiaman](#): > > My immediate thought was a Frieze - which is a band towards the top of the wall and which can be decorated flat, eg with mosaic or tilework, in bas relief which is raised, or can include free-standing figures in the round. > > Is that what you meant, or did you mean on top of the roof? The classical architectural term for a decorative sculpture or element, say at the junction of the corners of a roof, or the ends of the ridge is an akroteria. Gargoyles on roofs are an example of akroteria. Yes at the edge of the roof. I don’t mean a frieze. I means actually statuettes lining the roof wall/wall reaching up to the roof level. Akroteria looks correct. To be more precise, the statuettes I saw were free-standing and spaced apart on the uppermost part of the wall reaching up to the roof. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/4 "2018-08-27T09:08:35Z")
Akroteria don’t come _between_ the wall and the roof, though, they’re free-standing _above_ the roofline.What you’re describing sounds more similar to (but not exactly like ) [caryatids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryatid) and [telamons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telamon#In_architecture) or just [sculptured pediment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural_sculpture). ---
**Author:** ![Banksiaman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/banksiaman/32/3334_2.png) [@Banksiaman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Banksiaman)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/5 "2018-08-27T09:21:17Z")
And here i was showing off… We’ve reached and sailed past the limits of my classical architectural knowledge. I looked up the technical name for the 140 statues above the colonnade forming the wings of St Peters in the Vatican, which sounds like the uber-example of what you’re describing. It seems to be called in scholarly works ‘the statues on the colonnade …’ ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/6 "2018-08-27T09:26:00Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Akroteria don’t come _between_ the wall and the roof, though, they’re free-standing _above_ the roofline.What you’re describing sounds more similar to (but not exactly like ) [caryatids](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryatid) and [telamons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telamon#In_architecture) or just [sculptured pediment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architectural_sculpture). Thanks Mr. Dibble. The link I have to the Hermitage Museum is similar to what I mean, except that the statuettes were white and classical and all the same height. I’ll try to find a link to the biding I mean. It’s not far from the Kremlin. > **[The Winter Palace in St. Petersburg](http://www.saint-petersburg.com/palaces/winter-palace/)** > > Guide to St. Petersburg's Winter Palace. History and visitor information for the Winter Palace and other palaces in Saint Petersburg, Russia. ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 9:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/7 "2018-08-27T09:54:39Z")
not caryatids because the statuettes were not holding up anything. They were freestanding > **[Caryatid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caryatid)** > > A caryatid (/ˌkɛəriˈætɪd/ or /ˌkæriˈætɪd/ KAIR-ee-AT-id or KARR-ee-AT-id; Ancient Greek: Καρυᾶτις, pl. Καρυάτιδες) is a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head. The Greek term karyatides literally means "maidens of Karyai", an ancient town on the Peloponnese. Karyai had a temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis in her aspect of Artemis Karyatis: "As Karyatis she rejoiced in the dances of the nu An at... " a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head. " ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 10:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/8 "2018-08-27T10:33:25Z")
possible terms: ACROTERIA (Gr.) Pedestals for statues and other ornaments placed on the apex and the lower angles of a pediment. They are also sometimes placed upon the gables in Gothic architecture, especially in canopy work. BRACKET An ornamental projection from the face of a wall, to support a statue; brackets are sometimes nearly plain, or ornamented only with moldings, but are generally carved either into heads, foliage, angels, or animals. Brackets are very frequently found on the walls inside of churches, especially at the east end of the chancel and aisles, where they supported statues that were placed near the altars. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/9 "2018-08-27T11:40:58Z")
> [@davidmich](#): > > not caryatids because the statuettes were not holding up anything. Yeah, I figured, that’s why I said “not exactly like”. “Sculptured pediment” is perhaps the best you’ll be able to do for that sort of thing. But if that [link](http://www.saint-petersburg.com/images/palaces/winter-palace/view-of-the-winter-palace-from-palace-square-in-st-petersburg.jpg) is what you mean, _some_ of those _would_ be akroteria, as they _do_ stick out above the roof and are at the apex and/or corners. The ones that aren’t, are just ornamental sculpture - it’s a picayune difference, I know, and IMO you’re fine to call them all that. **Banksiaman** is redeemed. ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2018, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/10 "2018-08-27T16:28:34Z")
Thanks Banksiaman and Mr. Dibble. Very helpful. ---
**Author:** ![APB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e8cbc/32.png) [@APB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/APB)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2018, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/11 "2018-08-28T10:32:06Z")
You sometimes get rows of freestanding or only partly engaged statues in front of an upper or attic storey or the entablature. The most famous ancient examples are [the Dacian prisoners on the attic of the Arch of Constantine in Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch_of_Constantine#Attic). There are lots of later variations, including [this](https://jaspasjourney.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/img_1989.jpg), [this](https://www.detail.de/artikel/berliner-stadtschloss-die-naechste-1093/#), [this](http://downtownbrooklyn.com/listings/brooklyn-museum) and [this](http://www.visit5thavenue.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/nypl1.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/12 "2018-08-29T03:52:42Z")
> [@APB](#): > > You sometimes get rows of freestanding or only partly engaged statues in front of an upper or attic storey or the entablature. The most famous ancient examples are [the Dacian prisoners on the attic of the Arch of Constantine in Rome](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch_of_Constantine#Attic). There are lots of later variations, including [this](https://jaspasjourney.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/img_1989.jpg), [this](https://www.detail.de/artikel/berliner-stadtschloss-die-naechste-1093/#), [this](http://downtownbrooklyn.com/listings/brooklyn-museum) and [this](http://www.visit5thavenue.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/nypl1.jpg). Thank APB… The only difference I can see between the Arch of Constantine > **[statues of prisoners on the arch of constantine - Bing](https://cn.bing.com/images/search?q=statues%2Bof%2Bprisoners%2Bon%2Bthe%2Barch%2Bof%2Bconstantine&id=FF6852185441F8BFAB02EC9B8EAFFEC5514A20CC&FORM=IQFRBA)** > > Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you. and what I am referring to is that there was no wall behind the statues. The statues were standing on a lintel/entablature. The Hermitage Museum comes closest. But the statues were much smaller and uniform in height and spacing along the roof. ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/13 "2018-08-29T04:30:11Z")
> [@davidmich](#): > > Thank APB… The only difference I can see between the Arch of Constantine > > [statues of prisoners on the arch of constantine - Search Images](https://cn.bing.com/images/search?q=statues+of+prisoners+on+the+arch+of+constantine&id=FF6852185441F8BFAB02EC9B8EAFFEC5514A20CC&FORM=IQFRBA) > > and what I am referring to is that there was no wall behind the statues. The statues were standing on a lintel/entablature. The Hermitage Museum comes closest. But the statues were much smaller and uniform in height and spacing along the roof. The statues were freestanding and lined up on a horizontal roof. There were no gables. There was no pediment. ---
**Author:** ![Sloe\_Moe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8797f3/32.png) [@Sloe\_Moe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sloe_Moe)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/14 "2018-08-29T05:33:41Z")
After much googling, I conclude they are not pediments, nor caryatids, nor statues in niches, nor ones with bladachins. They are simply rooftop statues. I haven’t found specific terms in English or in any other language. You also have the Apostle Statues in the Vatican, the Quadriga in Berlin, and gargoyles at Notre Dame de Paris. ---
**Author:** ![Leo\_Bloom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leo_bloom/32/10377_2.png) [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/15 "2018-08-29T14:41:22Z")
> [@davidmich](#): > > possible terms: > (Gr.) > Acroteria: Pedestals for statues and other ornaments placed on the apex and the lower angles of a pediment. They are also sometimes > placed upon the gables in Gothic architecture, especially in canopy work. > … For completeness, since I don’t think this was visually cited above, here’s [a quickie summary](http://www.visualdictionaryonline.com/arts-architecture/architecture/greek-temple/greek-temple_1.php) of Greek architectural terms. And how could **Banksiamin** forget the antefix! ETA: Found this excellent, rich [Illustrated Architecture Dictionary](http://www.buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/vocab.html), with all the above and more individually illustrated. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/16 "2018-08-29T20:03:55Z")
You see them a lot if you’re going to tourist sites in China. See [Imperial roof decorations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_roof_decoration), which says they’re also called “roof charms”, “roof figures”, or “walking beasts”. Today it seems that most of them have wires running above them for, I believe, lightning protection. ---
**Author:** ![davidmich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e56c9b/32.png) [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Post date:** [August 29, 2018, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-architectural-term-for-a-line-of-decorative-statues-on-the-roofs-of-buildings/820339/17 "2018-08-29T22:15:28Z")
> [@Max\_Torque](#): > > You see them a lot if you’re going to tourist sites in China. See [Imperial roof decorations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperial_roof_decoration), which says they’re also called “roof charms”, “roof figures”, or “walking beasts”. > > Today it seems that most of them have wires running above them for, I believe, lightning protection. The imperial roof decorations only apply to Chinese/Asian decorations but not to Roman. If I had the proper architectural term for the Capitoline roof statues I would have the word I’m looking for. > **[capitoline roof statues - Bing](https://cn.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=oIrbzuH%2f&id=439DE16439F9A5F428D4B8E8ED6025AAD4CDEAFD&thid=OIP.oIrbzuH_Uj4i0HORi1cJJQAAAA&mediaurl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.daramccarthy.com%2fimages%2frome%2fcampidoglio%2fcampidoglio-roof-statues.jpg&exph=264&expw=400&q=capitoline%2Broof%2Bstatues&simid=607988743969899827&selectedIndex=1&ajaxhist=0)** > > Intelligent search from Bing makes it easier to quickly find what you’re looking for and rewards you.