Lintel

Classic definition of lintel

A lintel is defined as a horizontal block that spans the space between two supports in classical western architecture. In classical western construction methods, defining lintel by its Merriam-Webster definition, a lintel is a load-bearing member and is placed over an entranceway. Thus in ancient classical architecture, the lintel often rested on pillars made of piled stones such as in the building of the Treasury of Atreus in Mycenae, Greece. In architecture around the world however, a lintel is not considered (as it is in the very narrow view of classical architecture) as purely an element of the Post and lintel.

Lintel 24, structure 23, Yaxchilan, published by Charnay, 1885

Decorative use

The use of the lintel form (rather than as a construction technique) has been employed in the architecture of many cultures over time. In non-classical architecture a lintel was frequently used for purely ornamental purposes, having no structural function. For example, the architectural use of a lintel is purely ornamental in the case of Indian rock-cut architecture. Prehistoric Buddhist temples in India were wooden structures with load-bearing lintels above openings. Subsequently excavated rock cave temples were preferred as more durable, allowing creative ornamental use of classical architectural elements; the carved stone lintels were not load-bearing. Highly skilled artisans were able to simulate the look of a wood, imitating the nuances of a wooden structure and the wood grain in excavating cave temples from monolithic rock. This use of the lintel form was purely decorative and not load-bearing.

The Maya civilization was known for its spectacular art and monumental architecture. The Mayan city of Yaxchilan specialized in the carving of ornamental stone lintels. At the archaeological site on the Usumacinta River, there are 58 lintels spanning the doorways of major structures. Among the finest Mayan carving to be excavated anywhere are three temple door lintels that feature narrative scenes of a queen celebrating her husband's anointing by a god. The earliest were commissioned in 723 CE.

Decorative examples

Ornamental lintel over mandapa entrance, example of Hoysala architecture, India

Lintel over the entry to main shrine, Phimai historical park, Thailand

Decorative lintel at Banteay Srei, Cambodia

Non-structural lintel in cave temple at Ellora Caves, India

Lintel above traditional Basque houses in Lower Navarre with a lauburu and founders' names

The Marriage stone lintel at 'The Hill' farm, Dunlop, East Ayrshire

Yaxchilan Lintel 24, depicting a bloodletting ritual, Maya architecture, Central America

A lintel showing Krishna killing Kamsa, on the south wall of the Khymer Wat Phou sanctuary, Laos

See also

• Marriage stone
• Rock-cut architecture

Notes

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