Kore (Greek: κόρη "maiden"; plural korai) is the modern term given to a type of free-standing ancient Greek sculpture of the Archaic period depicting female figures, always of a young age. Kouroi are the youthful male equivalent of kore statues. Korai show the restrained "archaic smile", which did not demonstrate emotion. It was the symbol of the ideal, transcending above the hardships of the world. Unlike the nude kouroi, korai are depicted in thick and sometimes elaborate drapery. As fashions changed, so did the type of clothing they wore. Over time, korai went from the heavy peplos to lighter garments such as the chiton. Their posture is rigid and column-like, sometimes with an extended arm. Some korai were painted colorfully to enhance the visual impact of the garments and for narrative purposes. There are multiple theories on whether the korai represent mortals or deities. Korai also functioned as offerings to the deities or the dead. History The duration of the Archaic korai lasted between about seventh century to fifth century BC. Similar to the kouroi, historians believe that the korai was influenced by Egyptian convention. Since ancient Greeks and Egyptians had relations with one another, artistic influence was possible. Korai have been found throughout Greece, such as in Athens, Ionia, Cyclades, and Corinth. This demonstrates that korai were not regionally isolated. The largest excavation of korai was at the Acropolis of Athens in the 1880s. They served their purpose as votive offerings to the patron goddess, Athena, on the Acropolis throughout the sixth and early fifth century BC. However, in 480/479 BC, Persians attacked and desecrated the city of Athens including the Acropolis and many of its statues. After the attack the Athenians buried the korai, whether or not they were broken, in "graveyards" on the Acropolis (see: Perserschutt). It was believed they did this to rid the reminder of the act of barbarianism done by the Persians and allow Athens to rebuild. Function The kore statue had two main purposes. Korai were used as votive offerings to deities, mainly goddesses such as Athena and Artemis. Votive offerings are gifts given to the deities for worship or payment for favors. Both men and women offered the kore statues. Korai not only acted as an offering to a deity, but could be used to show off economic and social standing within a polis. How elaborate the statue was, varied. Korai demonstrated