finial

Examples of finial in the following topics:

• Thai Buddhist Architecture

  • Roofs of Thai temples are typically decorated with finials attached to the bargeboard, the long, thin panel on the edge of the roof at the gable ends.
  • The most common finial is called the lamyong, sculpted in a serpentine shape and resembling the feathers of Garuda, a mythical bird-like creature from Hindu and Buddhist mythology.
  • A roof with multiple breaks or tiers will have identical finials at the bottom of each section.
  • The roofs of wats were commonly decorated with finials of mythical creatures.

• Mughal Dynasty

  • This large, white marble structure stands on a square plinth and consists of a symmetrical building with an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway) topped by a large dome and finial.
  • The dome and chattris are topped by a gilded finial, which mixes traditional Persian and Hindustani decorative elements.
  • The finial is topped by a moon, a typical Islamic motif whose horns point heavenward.
  • Because of its placement on the main spire, the horns of the moon and the finial point combine to create a trident shape.

• Widespread Belief

  • The Christian flag displayed with the flag of the USA; note the finials on the flag poles.

• Sculpture of the Nok

  • While their function is largely unknown, theories include use as ancestor portrayal, grave markers, finials for roofs of buildings (suggested by their dome-shaped bases), or charms to protect against crop failure, infertility, or illness.

• Architecture of the Mughal Period

  • It is topped by a large double dome and a finial, combining both the traditional Islamic motif of the crescent moon and the Hindu symbol of the trident, associated with the god Shiva.