During the archaic period, sculptures emerged and became a principal form of artistic expression. Archaic sculptures were made to meet the needs of worship, and the spiritual needs of the people (Archaic). Because metal processing techniques were in progress, for example, casting and hammering, development of plastic art and memorable sculptures is partly owed to that (Archaic). In Crete, sculptures in marble and stone were initially developed, acquiring a detailed attribute known as Daedalic style. Greeks were always fascinated by the human form, their art was exceedingly influenced by art of different cultures to the east of Greece such as Anatolia and Egypt (Archaic Greek 6). Greeks contacted civilizations through colonization and trade …show more content…
The korai, which is plural for kore, is a freestanding statue of a woman, always at a young age. It is said that the kore statues have been a votive offering to the Goddess Athena, who was the city of Athens protector. The male citizens would dedicate the korai to her as a gesture of piety and evident pleasure (Sayre). Although that wasn’t their only purpose; they were also used as funeral monuments and dedications in sanctuaries (Korai). Very few korai were painted, the female figure is standing upright with feet together but with a natural and relaxed posture (Kore). As for their arms, one arm is lowered grasping a fold of drapery, the other arm is usually extended, holding an offering (Steidl). Each korai wears either a heavy tunic or a lighter one; the dress is most likely a representation of the style of women during that time period (Dumond). What defines korai as an archaic sculpture are their specific features such as the delicate “Archaic smile” and the broad almond eyes (Dumond). As for the hairstyle, usually all korai are very similar; their hair is long and curly, it even seems as it is braided also. Throughout the years the korai evolved from an extremely stylized form to a slighter realist one (Steidl). Korai dates to the time where Peisistratus and his sons Hipparchos and Hippias were in rule of Athens; during this period Athens became an important artistic center