Hwangnyongsa Temple: Roof Tile with the Face of a Monster

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju; Unified Silla dynasty

Tiles in the form of a monster are often placed over the hips of roofs to ward off evil spirits. This rectangular tile has a relief of a monstrous face with thick eyebrows, big bulging eyes, a bulbous nose, and a wide-open mouth revealing sharp fangs. At the top, the monster appears to have horns and unruly hair. A hole is cut above the head. The tile is decorated with scrolling vines at the bottom and studs along three sides. The bottom edge is arched so that it can be fitted over the cylindrical tiles on the roof.