caryatid
/ˌkɛriˈætɪd/
noun
- A sculpted female figure used as a column or pillar in architecture, supporting a structure on her head.
- The museum's new wing includes modern caryatids carved from limestone.
- The ancient Greek temple featured a porch supported by six marble caryatids.
- Architecture students studied the graceful drapery of the caryatid on the Erechtheion.