mascaron
/mæskɑːrɒn/Definitions
1. noun
A decorative carving of a grotesque or imaginary creature, often in the form of a lion’s head or a chimera, used to ornament a building or a wall, especially in Italian or Spanish architecture.
“The medieval church was adorned with intricate stone carvings, including several mascarons that seemed to come alive in the flickering candlelight.”