The "divinities" theory suggests that the korai represent goddesses, nymphs, and other types of female deities. Nikandre Kore, circa 650 BC Divinities theory There are two theories that many historians are in agreement on for identification: the "divinities" theory and "agalmata" theory. It has been difficult for historians and scholars to determine the identities of the korai statues, but they have theories of whom they might be. Identification has not been an easy task because of time or the lack of context for many korai. Korai symbolize their function by narrating the scene of exchange. Patrons used korai as offerings to the deities or the dead. Their arm is extended and offers gifts of fruit, flowers, and birds. Unlike the nude and distant kouroi, korai are completely clothed and engage with their viewer. Whether korai were given as votive offerings or grave markers, according to historian Robin Osborne, they were allegoric symbols as “tokens of exchange”. The statue marked the grave of a young unwed girl according to the inscription found on the base. An example would be the statue of Phrasikleia unearthed from the Meogeia plain in Attica. This became evident with their names being inscribed on the bases of the statues. It is suggested by historians that the funerary kore portray the appearance of the dead. They were grave markers and offerings for the deceased. Īncient Greeks also used korai for funerary purposes. An example of a kore used as a votive offering is the Antenor Kore that was dedicated by Nearkhos. To indicate their wealth, elite Greeks had their statues decorated in paint and jewels. Korai demonstrated individual wealth and status because they were fairly expensive to create and limited to the upper class. Korai not only acted as an offering to a deity, but could be used to show off economic and social standing within a polis. Both men and women offered the kore statues. Votive offerings are gifts given to the deities for worship or payment for favors. Korai were used as votive offerings to deities, mainly goddesses such as Athena and Artemis. It was believed they did this to rid the reminder of the act of barbarianism done by the Persians and allow Athens to rebuild. After the attack the Athenians buried the korai, whether or not they were broken, in "graveyards" on the Acropolis (see: Perserschutt). However, in 480/479 BC, Persians attacked and desecrated the city of Athens including the Acropolis and many of its statues. They served their purpose as votive offerings to the patron goddess, Athena, on the Acropolis throughout the sixth and early fifth century BC. The largest excavation of korai was at the Acropolis of Athens in the 1880s. This demonstrates that korai were not regionally isolated. Korai have been found throughout Greece, such as in Athens, Ionia, Cyclades, and Corinth. Since ancient Greeks and Egyptians had relations with one another, artistic influence was possible. Similar to the kouroi, historians believe that the korai was influenced by Egyptian convention. The duration of the Archaic korai lasted between about seventh century to fifth century BC. Korai also functioned as offerings to the deities or the dead. There are multiple theories on whether the korai represent mortals or deities. Some korai were painted colorfully to enhance the visual impact of the garments and for narrative purposes. Their posture is rigid and column-like, sometimes with an extended arm. Over time, korai went from the heavy peplos to lighter garments such as the chiton. As fashions changed, so did the type of clothing they wore. Unlike the nude kouroi, korai are depicted in thick and sometimes elaborate drapery. It was the symbol of the ideal, transcending above the hardships of the world. Korai show the restrained " archaic smile", which did not demonstrate emotion. Kouroi are the youthful male equivalent of kore statues. Kore ( Greek: κόρη "maiden" plural korai) is the modern term given to a type of free-standing ancient Greek sculpture of the Archaic period depicting female figures, always of a young age.
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