Caryatid

A caryatid is a sculpted female figure serving as an architectural support taking the place of a column or a pillar supporting an entablature on her head. Some of the earliest known examples were found in the treasuries of Delphi, dating to about the 6th century BC. In Early Modern times, the practice of integrating caryatids into building facades was revived, and in interiors they began to be employed in fireplace.