cajuntexasman: I definitely believe that the original sculpture had a head. I agree with you; facial expressions have been significant in many pieces of art. The Nike of Samothrace was found in 1863 by Charles Champoiseau. Her parts were found scattered around, but the head and arms were never recovered (Hamiaux and Marmois). I think the head was just never discovered at the ruins site and it may still be buried somewhere deep on the island of Samothrace in the Aegean Sea. 

stephkagan: Thanks to Helen for her comments, she said that in the movie on the Louvre she watched that there are parts that have been restored, even though the head was not one of those parts. I agree with you and I think the statue still has a big impact headless. The Nike of Samothrace was not found in the actual sea, but rather in the land on the island of Samothrace in the Aegean Sea by Charles Champoiseau. Champoiseau, an archaeologist, was exploring the ruins in hopes to find some valuable artifacts for a museum in Paris (Hamiaux and Marmois).

Anneka Griffith: The artist, time, and reason for the creation of this sculpture is unknown. Through study and historical context, it is theorized that it was made to honor a naval victory for the Rhodians, but nothing can be proven. It is predicted that the work was created by a single artist (Hamiaux and Marmois). I have very little knowledge on the subject of sculpting or the length it takes to create certain pieces, so I would not be able to give you a valid answer as to how long it took for the Nike of Samothrace to be sculpted. There is so much unknown as to the dating and creation that it is hard to tell. That is a good question, and I am sure Jean could give you a better answer than me :)

Helen: Laocoon and His Sons portrays a struggle, which can be seen in the facial expressions and stress of the bodies. The Nike of Samothrace portrays a proud triumph, as seen in the position of the wings, drapery, and body. There are different expressions seen in each work, but both pieces do convey strong emotion, which is typical of the Hellenistic Era. I am not sure what happened to the head of the sculpture, but my guess is that the head was lost in the years the piece was scattered apart underground and never found.