Caryatid

A caryatid is a sculpted female figure that serves as an architectural support, taking the place of a column or pillar to support an entablature on her head. The term comes from ancient Greece, where the caryatids were associated with the goddess Artemis, specifically the Artemis of Caryae, where young women danced around a statue of the goddess. The caryatid is often depicted holding a basket on her head, and is referred to as a canephora, representing one of the maidens who carried sacred objects. In contrast, the male counterpart of the caryatid is referred to as a telamon or atlas. The earliest known examples of caryatids date back to the 6th century BC, and can be found in ancient Greek and Near Eastern architecture.learn more on wikipedia