what is a frieze

A frieze is a decorative band or panel that can be found on the exterior or interior of a building. It can be a sculptured or richly ornamented band, as on a building or piece of furniture, or a long stretch of painted, sculpted, or even calligraphic decoration in a room, normally above eye-level. Friezes can be found on many Greek and Roman buildings, with the Parthenon Frieze being the most famous and elaborate. They can be plain or decorated with bas-reliefs, repetitive patterns, letters, plants, festooning, animals, mythological creatures, human figures, or other design elements. Friezes can be executed in many different materials, from painting and sculptural reliefs to plaster mouldings, tiles, mosaic, textiles, and wallpaper. In interiors, the frieze of a room is the section of wall above the picture rail and under the crown moldings or cornice.