The temple of Athena Nike on the Acropolis was surrounded by a marble parapet adorned with a relief depicting a procession of Nikai (goddesses personifying victory) engaged in various activities in the presence of the goddess Athena. Some bring offerings, others lead and sacrifice bulls, while others erect trophies. One Nike is fidgeting with her sandal. She bends down to her right and lifts her right leg. Her right hand reaches for the sandal but without touching it. Is she binding or loosening it? Shoes often signal the transition to sacred space and have to be removed on arrival as part of the ritual. This Nike reminds visitors that they are about to enter sanctified grounds where it is customary to be barefoot.