Gorgoneion is the traditional Greek name for an artistic image of a Gorgon’s head.
The gorgoneion was a powerful protective motif in ancient Greek art. It commonly showed a frontal, grimacing head with staring eyes, protruding teeth, and sometimes a protruding tongue or snakes around the face.
Artists placed gorgoneia on shields, pottery, architectural decoration, coins, and protective amulets. The image was intended to frighten away evil, turning the Gorgon’s terrifying power into a form of defense.
A gorgoneion is not the same thing as the aegis. The aegis is a divine protective garment or shield associated especially with Athena and Zeus; it could be decorated with a Gorgon’s head.