canephore

architecture

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June 22, 2026

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A canephore is a term with two primary architectural meanings. First, it refers to a maiden who carried a basket on her head during ancient Greek religious festivals. Second, it describes a caryatid, which is a draped female figure used in classical architecture as a column to support a structure. These figures, sometimes called korai, are similar to caryatids but specifically bear baskets on their heads, symbolizing the maidens who carried sacred objects for the gods' feasts. The male counterparts to caryatids are known as atlantes.12

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caryatid
…on their heads, are called canephores (from kanēphoroi, “basket carriers”); they represent the maidens who carried sacred objects used at feasts of the gods. The male counterparts of caryatids are referred to as atlantes (see atlas).
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…on their heads, are called canephores (from kanēphoroi, “basket carriers”); they represent the maidens who carried sacred objects used at feasts of the gods. The male counterparts of caryatids are referred to as atlantes (see atlas).
Read More