Parthenon Frieze _ East III, 12-17

myminifactory

Two pairs of girls, aged 12 and 13, and 14 and 15, walk together, each carrying a peculiar trumpet-shaped object whose purpose remains unknown. At their head stands a third pair, 16 and 17 years old, empty-handed. The East frieze continues the pedestrian procession seen on the long north and south sides. For the first time in the frieze, female figures are shown carrying sacrificial paraphernalia. To the left of center, they move from left to right, while to the right of center, they come from right to left - sixteen on one side and thirteen on the other. In front of these female figures, males not part of the procession proper lean on sticks, engaged in conversation with each other. These may be the eponymous heroes of Athens' ten tribes, their leaning posture making them larger than mortals approaching on either side. The eponymoi would be dwarfed by the gods at the heart of the East frieze, seated and therefore larger than other figures. The gods can be identified by sex and attribute, representing the twelve Olympians, Iris, and Eros. Zeus and Athena sit innermost, framing the subject at the center of the East frieze where five figures are engaged in a ritual involving the sacred peplos of Athena. This presentation to the statue of Athena Polias was the culminating event of the Panathenaic festival. Block III shows girls walking in a solemn procession, all wearing tunics and mantles. Five girls carry jugs for pouring ritual libations, while two pairs each carry a peculiar trumpet-shaped object, usually seen as an incense burner stand. A large dowel-hole is visible at the top of the first object. The foremost pair stands quietly waiting, empty-handed. At the head of the procession, a group of men in simple cloaks stands, continuing onto Block IV. The two men on this block are engaged in conversation. They may be seen as heroes or civic dignitaries, perhaps magistrates awaiting their turn to preside over the ceremonies. A fragment with the feet of the figure on the right is housed in the Acropolis Museum in Athens.