Karyatider. Kontext, funktion och innebörd från arkaisk till hellenistisk tid.

Sammanfattning: This paper examines caryatides in Greek architecture from the Archaic period to the Hellenistic period. The focus of this study is the functions, contexts, and symbolic meanings of the caryatides. Regarding the contexts, the caryatides were first used in the archaic period on the Cnidian treasury and, shortly thereafter on the Siphnian treasury, both in Delphi. In the classical period, the caryatides appear on the Erechteum in Athens. From the late Classical period and onwards through the Hellenistic time, the caryatides appeared in exclusively sepulchral settings, beginning with the caryatides on Perikles heroon in Limyra. The functions and symbolic meanings of the caryatides, however, is a more complex question, and one that cannot easily be answered. The conclusion that this paper draws is that the functions and meanings of the caryatides must have been multifaceted and would probably have differed between different monuments. It is possible that some caryatides were representations of goddesses or other mythological female figures. It is also possible that some caryatides had something to do with the cult of the dead or funerary practices, such as they are being votive korai, or by standing there, would remind passersby of the importance of making offerings to the deceased.