The Sphinx of Naxos was a gift from the Island of Naxos to the sacred site of Delphi. It is just over two meters tall and is made from one piece of Naxian marble. It was placed next to the Temple of Apollo in 560 BC and stood atop a 10 meter Ionic column.

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The Sphinx has the head of a woman, the chest and wings of a bird of prey, and the body of a lion. A sphinx was considered to have great strength and was often used as a guardian. It is believed the gift gave the Naxians some priority in seeking the wisdom of the Oracle of Delphi.

Three large portions of the body of the Sphinx were unearthed at Delphi in 1860-1861. The head was located in 1893. The Sphinx of Naxos is displayed at the Archeological Museum of Delphi in Delphi, Greece.

Sculpture Saturday is a challenge hosted by No Fixed Plans.

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