Final answer:
The maids behind Penelope likely carried torches and lamps, a common element in processions and sacred rituals in ancient Greek culture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maids behind Penelope in the context of ancient Greek culture would most likely be carrying torches and lamps. This can be inferred from the descriptions of ancient rituals and processions where torches were commonly used, especially in relation to Demeter and Dionysiac celebrations, which involved carrying sacred objects, including torches, during nocturnal settings.
The description of the priestesses carrying sacred objects and the mention that both Demeter and Artemis carry a torch suggest the significance of torches in these cultural contexts.