Statue of a girl
Archaeological museum of ancient Messene
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Statue of a girl
1st century BCE
Archaeological museum of ancient Messene
Archaeological site of ancient Messene
Statue
MarbleHeight: 1.13 cm
Statue of a girl. A large part of the upper torso, the arms, the head and legs are missing. The legs and arms were inlaid, as evident by the surviving hollows, and sockets. Modern repairs made of plaster are visible in various parts. The figure has a standing left leg, with the right, relaxed one bent upwards and sideways. She is dressed with a high-girded peplos with a deep fold. The inscription on the statue base names her as Mego. She was holding the xoanon of the goddess, identified with the female hand no. ΑΜΑΜ247. The statue was dedicated by the girl's parents, Damonikos and Timarchis, who had served as priests. It was found in the sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, housed in Oikos K of the Asclepieion of ancient Messene. Eight statues of girls and three of priestesses were found here, placed in a cyclical arrangement in front of the ritual statue of Artemis. Parents would dedicate to the sanctuary statues of their daughters, who were taking part in initiation rituals rites, i.e. rites of passage from puberty to adulthood and to the ranks of the women.