[ noun ] horizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a door or window <noun.artifact>
Lintel \Lin"tel\ (l[i^]n"t[e^]l), n. [OF. lintel, F. linteau, LL. lintellus, for limitellus, a dim. fr. L. limes limit. See {Limit}.] (Arch.) A horizontal member spanning an opening, and carrying the superincumbent weight by means of its strength in resisting crosswise fracture.
The museum and the foundation are considering several works, but no decision on a replacement for the lintel has been made, she said.
The lintel, or crosspiece over a door or window, disappeared from the temple in the 1960s and some Thais have charged it was stolen with the help of the U.S. officials.
Ms. Voedisch said a decision was expected soon on a replacement for the lintel, and that the lintel would be returned at that time.
Ms. Voedisch said a decision was expected soon on a replacement for the lintel, and that the lintel would be returned at that time.
"We will probably put a sign at the temple where the lintel should be so tourists _ including Americans _ will know it was taken, that we asked to give it back, and that they (the Art Institute) would not," the prince added.
The institute said it got the lintel from the Chicago-based Alsdorf Foundation, which acquired it in 1967 through a New York art dealer.
"Upon receipt of this gift, The Art Institute will relinquish all rights and title to the lintel and donate it to Thailand," the museum said in a statement.