Entablature is commonly divided into the architrave -- the supporting member carried from column to column , pier or wall immediately above ; the frieze -- an unmolded strip that may or may not be ornamented ; and the cornice , the projecting member below the pediment . Entablatures are major elements of classical architecture , and are commonly divided into the architrave ( the supporting member carried from column to column , pier or wall immediately above ) , the frieze ( an unmolded strip that may or may not be ornamented ) , and the cornice ( the projecting member below the pediment ) .