File:Axumite Architectural Fragments (2823506028).jpg

Summary

I will go out on a limb and identify these as feline-headed waterspouts. I've seen these desribed as lion gargoyles. Since they lack obvious manes, I'd settle for calling them lionesses. I would even concede they could be lions rendered according to the conventions of their time.

But I draw the line at the use of the term "gargoyle." Wrong continent, wrong century, wrong culture. It's as inappropriate as calling the central temple at a Maya site the "acropolis"

The Axumite Kingdom evolved from a city-state to a regional power between the second century before the current era and the second century of the current era.

At its peak between the third and sixth centuries of the current era, Axum controlled inter-regional and Red Sea trade. Axum is believed to have traded widely, with contacts in Byzantium, Alexandria and southern Europe.

Axum began to decline in the seventh century with the spread of Islam, which severed the trade routes that had been Axum's economic lifeblood.

A remnant of the Axum Kingdom persisted in the Blue Nile region until a rebellion finished it off in the tenth century.

In the collection of the Archaeological Museum in Axum, Ethiopia.

I've complied with restrictions on the use of flash, and taken photos only when permitted by the museum.

Licensing

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