Marble statuettes of Tritonids

From Lykasoura in Arcadia. Beginning of 2nd c. BC.
ΝΑΜ, Γ 2171, Γ 2174

The Tritonids, mythical monsters with female upper torso and scaled lower body ending in a double tail, embody the benevolent sea demons who calm storm waves and protect mariners. The statuettes formed part of the throne, on which sat the Great Goddesses (Demeter and Despoina) of the similarly called cult sculptural group in the temple of Lykosoura, work of the Messinian sculptor Damophon.