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Christian themes have never wholly excluded animal grotesques, strange hybrid creatures, or winged monsters. In their authentical role as a personification of evil, they form part of God's grand scheme of salvation. This is apparent in the areas framing the apse of St. Jacob in Kastellaz near Tramin in the southern Tyrol. The malicious creatures include centaurs, harpies, fish-like creatures, and dog-headed monsters devouring serpents. Armed with bow and arrow, serpent slings and clumsy bone tools, these grotesque creatures are also engaged in battle with one another.
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