Κυβόλιθος, με παράσταση Απόλλωνα-Αρτέμιδος,

Abstract

Marble-block decorated with figures of Apollo and Artemis. A fragment of an archaic marbleblock has been found in the area of the Asklepios sanctuary in Paroikia, Paros near the sanctuary of Apollo Pythios. The block is decorated with two incised human figures in profile, one on the main side and the other on the narrow side. On the fragmentary representation of a standing female figure turned to the right. She holds a bow in her hands. Her hair is held together with a ribbon and her garment is probably a chiton. A pair of a diagonal incisions shown across the chest might indicate the strap of a quiver. In this case the figure represents the goddess Artemis, the sister of Apollo. The hair, the profile, a rosette that decorates «Artemis» belt seem to copy contemporary «Melian» vases, which are attributed to a parian workshop. The two figures on the block bring to mind the figure of a parian stele (archaeological museum of Paros, A 760) as well as the stelae of Prinias, Crete dating to the 7th century. The block is one of the earliest examples of carved marble reliefs in Paros as well as in Cyclades.