Collection Item

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleMarble Head of a Kore from Eleusis

About this objectBeing smaller than life-size, this kore was most likely a dedicatory statue within the fortifications of Eleusis, a sanctuary dedicated to Demeter and Persephone, which was constructed in the sixth century BC.

In mythology, the Greek goddess Persephone was often identified as Kore to emphasise her innocence as a youthful maiden. This head may have been part of a votive statue to Persephone. It may be that the face resembles that of the donor. Alternatively, the kore head may have been dedicated at the theatre of Dionysos, during one of the many festivals held in Eleusis. Dedicating korai was a common practice in the sixth century BC. The connection between an individual and the gods was an intrinsic part of Greek life.

The front of the hair and headpiece of the reproduced cast has been finished in a light pink tint, which suggests the copyist aimed to create the appearance of ageing paint. The original head, however, only shows minor traces of red paint on some curls, indicating that the coloured finish was part of the reproduction process in the late 1980s.

MakerMinistry of Culture Archaeological Receipts Fund

Maker RoleCasting and Copying Workshop

Date Madeca. 1988-1989 AD

PeriodArchaic

Place MadeGreece; Athens

Place NotesOriginal manufactured in Attica

Medium and MaterialsPlaster, Wood, and Metal

Style and IconographyArchaic

TechniqueCasting (process)

MeasurementsHeight 210 mm
Weight 2980 gm

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased, 1979.

Object TypeSculpture

Object numberCC11

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved