Corbels, a type of bracket, can serve either a structural or a decorative purpose or BOTH! They have long been used in architecture as a decorative structural piece jutting from a wall to carry a resting weight.
Shown Left: 22'' Corbel (3109). 3-3/4" wide main body. 6-1/2" wide x 10" deep top cap. 22" long overall with top cap.