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TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > Classics > Archaic Sculpture - Koroi

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Archaic Time Period - 650BCE till 480BCE

Background Information Greeks had a habit of avoiding female nudity until well into the 4th century. For example, when the Greeks transformed the usually nude Phonecian goddess, Astarte into Aphrodite - they clothed her. A limestone head of an Olympian woman, was discovered dating back to 600BCE, which had features similar to the Egyptian Sphinx's in the form on the enigmatic smile.

Koroi 'maidens' The female statues were more delicate and more human than any previous sculpture. Their design is similar to the male versions of the archaic sculpture - the korois. It was harder for the sculptors to portray women, as they needed to cover them up with more clothes. Although, this enabled the development of the sculpting of folds and drapery of the styles of clothing that were popular at the time - chiton, mantle and the peplos robe. The statues represented goddesses, possibly also priestesses and many were found on the Athenian Acropolis. The figures were rigid and wooden, facing forward, had one hand outstretched as if they were offering something, their feet were placed together, they were upright and their hair was braided. The word 'Kore' meant to please the goddess's and their worshippers. The statues were highly decorated (proven by remenents of paint found on the kore), displayed jewelry. They all displayed the classic 'archaic smile'.