Of slab iii. only fragments remain. As drawn by Carrey, it
contains the figure of No. 4 (cf. Plate vii., and No. 345, _3_),
vigorously holding back his cow, and a fourth cow, quietly led
by two youths (Nos. 5, 6). For economy of space this slab is
compressed in the British Museum to about two-thirds of its proper
length. A cast from a head, which, perhaps, is that of No. 4, is
placed at the corner of the slab (Michaelis, plate 13, xxvii. C.).
The drapery seen on a fragment with the fore-legs of a cow belongs
to No. 5, who leads the third cow. No. 6 is made up of six pieces,
of which Michaelis had identified the feet of the figure, and part
of the fore-legs of the cow. For its hind-legs, see his plate 13,
xxvii. D. The originals of all these fragments are at Athens.
[Rightnote: IV.]
[Sidenote: 7-9.]
[Sidenote: 10.]
Slab iv. contains parts of three figures, Nos. 7-9, who conduct
three horned sheep. Of the first figure (No. 7) a part of the
mantle is now left, and perhaps also the head (cf. Plate vii., and
No. 345, _4_). In Carrey's time the head and shoulders were still
extant. At the joint between this slab and the next there is a
marshal (No. 10), who turns to the division of the procession
approaching. Slab iv. was discovered in 1840.
[Rightnote: V.]
[Sidenote: 11.]
When drawn by Carrey and Stuart, the next group in the procession
consisted of three figures, of which one only (No. 11) is now
extant. These figures carry on their shoulders oblong rectangular
trays, not unlike a butcher's tray in form. These trays have been
identified with the skaphae, or boat-shaped dishes which were
carried in the Panathenaic procession, and which contained
offerings of cakes. If we may trust Stuart's engraving, the tray
of one of the two figures which have now disappeared contained
fruits or cakes. These trays were made of silver or bronze.
Skaphae of bronze are mentioned in one of the inventories of the
treasures, deposited in the Parthenon. The Metoiks, whose duty
it was to carry these trays, were hence called Scaphephori. Their
place in the procession would naturally be immediately after the
victims led for sacrifice.
[Rightnote: VI.]
[Sidenote: 12-14.]
[Sidenote: 15.]
[Sidenote: 16.]
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