Saturday, July 18, 2009

Gargoyles




Gargoyles are mythological beings. They are seen on cathedrals around the world. Early references to them date back to Ancient Greece. The Word "gargoyle" is derived from the French word gargouille, meaning throat or to gargle.

Originally a gargoyle was a waterspout, directing water away from a building. If a scary gargoyle-like stone carving does not function as waterspout, but is just used for decorative purposes, it is called a grotesque or chimera.

It is believed that gargoyles were created by medieval architects and stone carvers to ward off evil in an imperfect world. They were the guardians of the church and kept the terrible evil spirits away. I don't know what those medieval carvers were drinking, but they sure had a scary imagination!

So, now, we sell gargoyles (technically grotesques) at Moonstone Path. Only have a couple left, a little one, and a big heavy one. They are made of concrete, and sealed for the outdoors.

1 comment:

Khurt Khave said...

Love the gargoyles. I've got a shirt with one like that.