Question: what do you call the top of a column

title: Column
text: At the top of the shaft is a capital , upon which the roof or other architectural elements rest . In the case of Doric columns , the capital usually consists of a round , tapering cushion , or echinus , supporting a square slab , known as an abax or abacus . Ionic capitals feature a pair of volutes , or scrolls , while Corinthian capitals are decorated with reliefs in the form of acanthus leaves . Either type of capital could be accompanied by the same moldings as the base . In the case of free - standing columns , the decorative elements atop the shaft are known as a finial . 

Answer: answer: At the top of the shaft is a capital , upon which the roof or other architectural elements rest , this decorative element is known as a finial .
answer: At the top of the shaft is a capital , upon which the roof or other architectural elements rest.  In the case of free - standing columns , the decorative elements atop the shaft are known as a finial .