Statue of Delian Artemis, offered by Areis

This statue of the 4th century BC that depicts Artemis Delian wearing polos (a kind of tall headdress), richly pleated himation, and Attic peplos, was dedicated, according to its inscription, by Areis, the daughter of Teisinor, and bears testimony to the special significance of the goddess’s cult in Paros, but also to the role and piety of women in the island’s religious life.

Artemis was one of the most popular deities in Paros, after Apollo, and was associated, among other things, with virginity, the protection of young girls, and purity. She is patroness of the city and nature; she is also Potnia Theron (mistress of animals), a huntress, Phosphoros (light-bearing) and Pyrphoros (fire-bearing); therefore, iconographically, her depictions differ, as in many representations she is shown carrying a bow and arrows, whereas, in other images, she is accompanied by a deer or dogs.

Ἀρηῒς Τεισήνορος Ἀρτέμιδι Δηλίηι

Areis, the daughter of Teisinor, dedicates the statue to Artemis Delian