This head was once part of an over-lifesize statue of the Greek goddess Athena, who was represented as striding forward. Originally, the figure wore a separately made helmet of marble or bronze. Perforations in the ears indicate that it was also adorned with metal earrings. The statue may have stood outside as a monumental votive image of the warrior goddess in her role as protectress of a city, or within a temple as a cult statue.

The dynamic movement and passionate expression of this colossal head mark it as a rare example of monumental art from the late third or second century B.C. During this time, an exaggerated baroque style prevailed in some areas of the Mediterranean.

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