Parthenon Frieze _ West XI, 20-21

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Since its removal from the monument in 1993, the west frieze has been stored securely at the Acropolis Museum, except for blocks I and II which remain on display at the British Museum. The west frieze is made up of sixteen carefully crafted blocks averaging 1.40 m in length, with blocks I and XVI being notable exceptions due to their narrow sides as part of the north and south sides' western blocks, N XLVII and S I respectively. These narrow blocks showcase a total length of only 0.60 m. The frieze vividly depicts the preparation for the Panathenaic procession of horsemen in the Kerameikos with great attention to detail. Each block features one to three figures at most, as well as up to two horses, while individuals standing still form pivotal axes throughout the composition on this side. Blocks with serene scenes are skillfully interposed with those bearing dynamic scenes of action. The horsemen's attire reveals an impressive range, allowing some to distinguish between the 10 or 4 tribes of Attica. Some riders appear nude, others wear a short belted chiton or exomis, while still others wear a chlamys and petasos; evident too are cuirass and helmet. The garments also showcase attire from other parts of Greece, such as Macedonia or Thrace: coarse cloth chiton and chlamys, boots and fox-skin caps (alopeke). Metalwork is featured in the form of bronze accessories for weapons and horse bridles.