The “bases on which statues stand” are most commonly called plinths or pedestals.

What the base is called

  • Plinth : A low, block-like platform directly under a statue, often rectangular or square, giving it stability and a slight lift.
  • Pedestal : A taller support structure that raises the statue higher and can include multiple parts (base, shaft, and cap). The term is often used interchangeably with plinth in everyday speech.
  • Base : A general word for any support under the statue, whether it is a simple block, an elaborate architectural form, or integrated into the landscape.
  • Foundation : The hidden structural support in or under the ground that keeps the whole monument from tilting or sinking.

In short: the visible block under most statues is usually called a plinth or pedestal, and together with any hidden structure it forms the statue’s base.