Lang.

Stele of Londa, back: the Sphinx

Archaeological Museum

Type: Reperto archeologico
Room: Reperti archeologici

Description

In almost all stele specimens the decoration occurs only on one face, but there are also bifacial specimens, such as the Londa stele, which testify to the fact that some stelae could be viewed from both sides. On the back of this stele is a sphinx depicted in profile. This creature has long hair styled in braids gathered behind the ear. Its role in Etruscan society was probably that of a guardian. The monster, with a leonine body and human head, had the task of guarding that thin and mysterious line that separated the realm of the living from that of the dead.

Photo Credits: Su concessione della Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio per la Città Metropolitana di Firenze e per le Province di Pistoia e Prato

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