Myth Kriophoros

the moschophoros of acropolis, ca 570 bce.

not ancient greek sculptures of sacrifiants offering on shoulders bear young rams. lifesize marble calfbearer (moschophoros), of ca 570 bce, found on athenian acropolis in 1864 (illustration, left) inscribed rhombos , apparently donor, commemorated sacrifice in manner. sacrificial animal in case young bull, iconic pose, young animal across sacrifiant s shoulders, secured forelegs , rear legs firmly in sacrifiant s grip, same many kriophoroi. famous of kriophoros sculptures , exhibited @ acropolis museum

lewis r. farnell placed hermes kriophoros foremost in arcadia:

arcadia has been time immemorial great pasture-ground of greece, primitive character in hermes appeared, , never abandoned, pastoral. lord of herds, epimélios , kriophoros, leads them sweet waters, , bears tired ram or lamb on shoulders, , assists them shepherd s crook, kerykeion.

the kriophoros figure of shepherd carrying lamb, pastoral vignette, became common figure in series denoting months or seasons, characteristically march or april.

late roman marble copy of kriophoros of kalamis (museo barracco, rome)