What are the statues on top of pillars called?

Caryatid is a sculpted female figure serving as architectural support in the place of a column or a pillar. Its purpose in architecture is mainly decorative. The most famous Caryatids are the ones of Erechtheion on Acropolis Hill, Athens. Let's find out more about these fascinating “Maidens”!



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The caryatid This caryatid is one of six elegant female figures who supported the roof of the south porch of the Erechtheion (figures who do the work of columns—carrying a roof—are called caryatids).

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We are referring to grotesques: the scary figures carved into stone corbels, keystones, and friezes on building facades. In 12th century Europe, grotesques, as well as open-mouthed gargoyles—which directed rainwater away from buildings—became commonplace, especially on the outside of cathedrals.

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The corresponding male architectural figure is called Atlas or Telamon! In ancient architectural art, especially in the Ionic order, the columns were often replaced by a representation of a lustrous female form.

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