Caryatid

Augustus Saint Gaudens Caryatids

Caryatid is a sculptural, draped, female figure serving as an ancient architectural support -taking the place of a column- an entablature of a temple on her head. The ancient engineer, Vitruvius, claims that caryatids are named after the  "maidens of Karyai (name of a Spartan town)" as punishment of their betrayal during Persian Wars (492-449 BC). However, caryatids were created before it in Delhi and Athens.

The caryatids were dedicated to the Goddess Artemis in her aspect of Artemis Karyatis. Its name may came from the posture of women worshiping at Karyai festival (Kerenyi 1980 p 149). Besides, it's also used as decorative object, until now.

Caryatid Porch in Erectheion

The best known and most-copied examples are those of the six figures of the Caryatid Porch in Erectheion on the Acropolis, Athens. 

 

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