What material is the statue of Athena Parthenos primarily made from?

The statue of Athena Parthenos is primarily recognized for its construction from chryselephantine, a luxurious combination of gold (chryseos) and ivory (elephantinos). This technique was particularly notable in classical Greek sculpture, allowing for the creation of figures that showcased great detail and a striking visual contrast between the gleaming gold and the smooth ivory.

Athena Parthenos, created by the sculptor Phidias around 450 BCE, was housed in the Parthenon on the Acropolis in Athens and stood as a symbol of the city’s wealth, power, and devotion to the goddess Athena. The use of chryselephantine in this statue not only highlighted the craftsmanship of ancient artisans but also conveyed the divinity and importance of the figure in Greek culture. This material choice enhanced the statue's grandeur and presence, making it one of the most famed works of classical art.

In contrast, bronze, marble, and wood, while historically significant materials in sculpture, were not utilized in the construction of Athena Parthenos. Bronze was often used for life-sized and monumental sculptures, marble for more enduring images, and wood was primarily used for everyday objects or smaller sculptures. However, none of these materials conveyed the