Ridge Tile, Earthenware, Mythological Figures, 19th Century

Originally, the finial served a utilitarian function, protecting the roof structure at the ridge point and preventing water infiltration.

Over time, it has become a decorative architectural element in general.
The finial is a very common architectural tradition in older houses, particularly in French architecture, where it serves to crown and embellish the roof.

Depending on the region and period, finials can take on various forms, ranging from simple geometric patterns to more elaborate figures, such as animals, flowers, or symbolic elements. It is composed of two parts.

At the top of our finial, we see a small figure, a child or a putto sitting on a fantastical creature, typically a dragon or a sea monster.
This symbolic motif evokes a link with mythological marine creatures. At the bottom, the heads seem close to classical representations of gods or legendary figures, with elaborate beards and hairstyles, which reinforces the decorative and symbolic aspect of the ridge tile.
These heads are surrounded by shells, a motif often associated with the marine element and protection, suggesting a mythological inspiration, potentially linked to marine deities, such as Neptune.