Final answer:
The horse head in the Parthenon frieze symbolizes the Greeks' pride in their victory over the Persians and demonstrates Phidias's narrative artistry. It is part of a larger procession that reinforces themes of triumph, abundance, and Greek cultural identity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of the horse head found by the Phidias is to represent the Greeks' pride in their victory over the Persians. This victory is depicted through various scenes on the metopes of the Parthenon, where mythical battles between Lapiths and Centaurs symbolize the conflict between civilization and barbarism. The horse head decoration also demonstrates the exceptional skill of Phidias in fitting narrative into the architectural elements of the Parthenon, reinforcing themes of triumph and Greek cultural identity.
Further, the horsemen on the west frieze of the Parthenon are part of a larger procession, blending scenes of preparations with moments of action and divine oversight. The intricate details and aesthetic choices, such as the horseman looking back or holding fruits, suggest symbolic meanings, depicting submission, abundance, and piety within the Athenian state. Such friezes serve to reinforce the power and majesty of Athens and its gods through artistic representation.