Would it be possible to replicate the elaborately braided coiffures of the Caryatids, the six ancient marble maidens who grace the south porch of the Erechtheion of the Athenian Acropolis, on modern women? That is the question Dr. Katherine Schwab, Prof. of Art History in the Department of Visual & Performing Arts at Fairfield University, set out to answer with the Caryatid Hairstyling Project. 

In what is known as experimental archaeology, Dr. Schwab compiled photographs of the ancient sculptures, including archival photographs from the collections of the American School of Classical Studies and the German Archaeological Institute, both in Athens.

Working from these photographs, stylist Milexy Torres set about styling the hair of six Fairfield University students to bring the ancient hairstyles of the Caryatids to life, proving that they could be replicated. The photographic exhibition by Dr. Schwab, The Caryatid Hairstyling Project, runs through June 29, at the Embassy of Greece in Washington, host of the project.

See also: Art History - The Caryatid Hairstyling Project