Very Rare 11th - 12th Century Carved Stone ‘Gripping Mouth’ Apotropaic Corbel

- FREE UK SHIPPING WITH ALL ORDERS - INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS PLEASE PROCEED TO CHECKOUT FOR SHIPPING QUOTES A very rare 11th - 12th century carved stone corbel depicting a smiling man with rare thin ‘spaghetti’ type arms reaching from beneath the mouth, around the side of the head and linking into the eye brows. It looks like it is pulling at one side of it’s mouth in a grotesque manner. It has the typical t-shaped brow and nose associated with the period, and probably originates from the north of england. It still shows remnants of mortar to the top. Typically carved as corbels or façade ornaments, these figures were known as “gripping mouth” figures and depicted a contorted human figure pulling its mouth open, often symbolising the sin of speech (like gossip or lying) and human foolishness. They were also apotropaic in function. Positioned on the exterior of churches, they were believed to repel, confuse, or trap evil forces, preventing malevolent spirits from entering sacred space. They acted as symbolic guardians at the threshold between the earthly and the divine, protecting the sanctity of the building. A rare survivor and a wonderful decorative item! Condition is good, commensurate with age and use. I’m good solid condition. Measures 13cm (H) X 12.5cm (W) X 23cm (D) Weighs 5650 grams SHIPPING RETURNS