A male statue type of the Archaic period with standardised characteristics. It depicts a standing nude young man in frontal pose, hands at his sides, fists clenched at the thighs. The left foot is forward, giving the impression of movement. Typical features are the standardised hairstyle with long hair tied in a “Herakles knot”, a ribbon knotted at the back of the head, and the “Archaic smile”, a discreet smile that gives the figures a lively expression. The kouros (meaning “youth”) represents the aristocratic ideals of the “good and virtuous” youth: the beauty and strength of the athletic body and virtuous soul. Large marble kouroi were dedicated as votive offerings to sanctuaries and set up as grave markers on men’s tombs.