Building or zone: Portonaccio sanctuary - Temple of Apollo
Position: Ridge
Roof element: Acroterion bases
Remarks: Large hollow base with semicylindrical curve to longitudinal underside (RH 40-42, RD 60-66), round holes in side walls (2/side, Diam 7) near top of curve, for transporting and securing to roof. Side walls curve inwards towards top, tapering into raised top edge (50.5 x 87), inside which is rectangular depression (43.6 x 80.5, D 7-17.2) with projecting resting surfaces rising from curved floor, 3 cross-bars between long walls and wedge-shaped projections from short sides; on inner side of raised edge, painted letters ZU (?). Outer surfaces cream with painted decorations in black-brown: pair of diving dolphins on short side, painted eyes with eyebrows on long sides, similar to those painted on Attic eye cups, with holes placed in center of pupils. Originally placed over ridge tile.
Bibliography: Santangelo 1952, figs. 42, 46; Veio, Cerveteri, Vulci 2001, pp. 59-60, I.F.2.6, Pl. II top and drawings of all fragments; Maras 2011
Publication record: Gli dei sul tetto. Le basi acroteriali del tempio di Veio-Portonaccio: messa in opera e funzione. Author: Maras, D.F.. Journal and volume number: Deliciae Fictiles IV. Place of publication: Oxford. Publication Date: 2011. Pages: 107-114 Veio, Cerveteri, Vulci. Città d'Etruria a confronto. Catalogo della mostra, Roma, Museo Nazionale Etrusco. Author: Moretti Sgubini, A.M.. Place of publication: Roma. Publication Date: 2001 Veio. Santuario "di Apollo". Scavi fra il 1944 e il 1949. Author: Santangelo, M.. Journal and volume number: BdA 37. Publication Date: 1952. Pages: 147-172
Associated elements: 11 statues of humans & 3 of fantastic animals
Type of decoration: Painted diving dolphins, pairs of eyes, letters ZU?
Last Recorded Collection: Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia
