The 6 Karyatids were the dominant feature of the porch on the south side of the Erechtheion on the Akropolis in Athens, where they supported the entablature and the roof of the building, facing towards the north side of the Parthenon.

Named after Erechtheios, legendary king of Athens, this complex and intricate building, on several levels, was constructed in the last quarter of the 5th century BCE and was dedicated to Athena and her uncle Poseidon.

These stunning, draped female figures have elaborately stylised hair, symmetrically arranged, surmounting the cascade of U-shaped catenary folds described by the cloak. Karyatids were associated with the goddess Artemis.