Parthenon Frieze _ West X,18-19

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Since its removal from the monument in 1993, the west frieze has been safely stored at the Acropolis Museum, with blocks I and II residing in the British Museum instead. The west frieze is comprised of sixteen blocks averaging 1.40 meters in length, with two notable exceptions: blocks I and XVI are shorter at only 0.60 meters due to their narrow sides on the north and south sides, N XLVII and S I respectively. These unique blocks showcase the preparation for the Panathenaic procession of horsemen in the Kerameikos. Each frieze block features one to three figures and as many as two horses, with still individuals standing at intervals that form the axes of the composition along this side. Blocks depicting quiet scenes are strategically placed between those bearing scenes of action. The clothing of the horsemen also showcases great variety, allowing some to interpret it as a way to distinguish the 10 or 4 tribes of Attica. Some riders appear nude, while others wear short belted chitons or exomis, or a chlamys and petasos; still others wear cuirass and helmet, with other garments evident from various regions in Greece, such as Macedonia or Thrace: coarse cloth chiton and chlamys, boots, and fox-skin caps. The attachments of the horses' bridles and the riders' weapons were crafted from bronze.