The uses of stools in classical Athens

Bednarek, Bartłomiej (2024): The uses of stools in classical Athens. Diphrophoroi in the Parthenon frieze, old comedy, Attic vases and beyond. In: Cambridge Classical Journal, Vol. 70: pp. 1-25

Abstract

The following article discusses the significance of a stool carried by persons referred to in ancient Greek sources (from Old Comedy to Plutarch) as diphrophoroi. As I argue, the iconography suggests that this piece of furniture was often used by attendants respon-sible for their mistresses’ outfit, make-up and hairstyle. By extension, the most famous representation of two girls with stools on their heads on the east Parthenon frieze can be interpreted as an allusion to the ritual dressing and embellishing of Athena’s statue.

• Item Type: Journal article
• Faculties: Languages and Literatures > Department 2
• Subjects: 400 Language > 400 Language
• ISSN: 1750-2705
• Language: English