Bucrania

/bjuːˈkreɪniə/ noun

Definition

The plural of bucranium; multiple stylized ox skull decorations used in classical architecture and design.

Etymology

From Latin 'bucranium' (ox skull), with '-a' as the Latin neuter plural ending. The word preserves ancient Greek and Roman architectural terminology.

Kelly Says

Archaeologists can date ancient buildings by the style of their bucrania—Roman builders carved them differently than Greek builders did, so these skull decorations are like fingerprints of civilization.

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