From the Latin kaput, for head and the Greek Kapita, the top of s column or pilaster. Its’ purpose is to broaden the surface are at the top, to take the weight, spread the load, of the structure above.
An architectural feature, the highest member of a post or column, the one that both tops it off and spreads to support the load above. Capitals are always wider at the top than the bottom and visually important; even the simplest carry some kind of shaping and carved motif . Many are highly decorative and distinctive, telling the story of the culture, the craftsman and the architectural style of the time.
