frieze

In architecture and the decorative arts, an ornamental, horizontal band on a building, furniture, pottery, or other decorated work. In architecture, it is usually placed along the top of a wall, near or at ceiling height. In classical architecture, it is part of the entablature (architrave, frieze, and cornice). The frieze forms the division, usually sculpted, between the architrave (the beam over a series of columns) and the cornice (the moulding at the edge of a ceiling).

Friezes were particularly popular in ancient Greek architecture and art.