From the Parthenon to the Museum: The Transcultural Biography of the Horse Head Sculpture

Abstract

This paper studies the Parthenon horse head sculpture, focusing on its artistic creation, historical changes, and the modern debate
over its ownership. It discusses the fine skill of the sculptor Phidias and the artistic value of the work, as well as the social and political events
that caused the sculpture to be removed and spread across Europe. Using a historical approach, the paper reviews how the Parthenon changed
from a sacred temple to a church, a mosque, and finally a symbol of cultural conflict. The study shows that the meaning of the horse head
sculpture has changed over timefrom a piece of religious art to a museum exhibit and later a focus of international discussion. It concludes
that although returning the Parthenon sculptures to Greece has strong moral and symbolic value, lasting solutions should aim at international
cooperation, shared exhibitions, and open dialogue. The continuing debate highlights wider global issues such as cultural identity, heritage
protection, and the shared duty of all nations to preserve the treasures of ancient civilizations.