Medieval Sandstone Carving Figure with Lion and Severed Heads 12th–14th Century

A rare and characterful medieval carving in sandstone c. 12th-14th century.

The figure, now headless, bears a cat-like lion in bold relief across its torso and stands dominantly over two expressive grotesque heads - one a tongue biter - with grimacing teeth and wild expressions. Rich in allegory, the imagery is suggestive of triumph over vice or evil—motifs frequently found in Romanesque and early Gothic ecclesiastical art.

In medieval art, the combination of a lion and human heads would carry religious or mythological symbolism. The lion was an ambivalent symbol in Europe – it could represent Christ or virtuous nobility, but also sin and the Devil, depending on context  . On one hand, the lion was admired as the “king of beasts,” symbolizing strength, resurrection, and Christ’s power (as in the “Lion of Judah”). Medieval bestiaries even likened lions to Christ’s resurrection myths. On the other hand, medieval minds knew the biblical warning “Your adversary the Devil prowls like a roaring lion” – thus a lion could signify evil or sin (pride) if portrayed negatively  . In late medieval allegories, for instance, the personification of Pride is shown riding a lion to denote arrogance

Such figures were integrated into church architecture—corbels, capitals, or devotional panels—particularly in northern England, where sandstone was the often the material of choice. The bold, simplified form and symbolic composition suggest it may have served as a moral or spiritual emblem within a religious context. Pieces similar to this were often reused in private homes, taverns etc to ward off evil spirits and protect against Witches. A real and genuine fear among the population at this time!

This fascinating find was discovered in the Lancaster area, North West England in the early 20th Century during road repairs.