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Two girls playing a game known as ephedrismos, late 4th–3rd century B.C.
Greek, Corinthian
Terracotta; H. 5 3/8 in. (13.8 cm)
Rogers Fund, 1907 (07.286.4)

This terracotta group depicts two young girls playing ephedrismos. As described by Pollux (IX, 119), the game involves throwing balls or pebbles at a stone in an attempt to overturn it. The player who fails to do so is blindfolded and must run to touch the stone while carrying the winner on her back. Here the little girl carries her companion but does not have her eyes covered. Both young girls are dressed in chitons and have red curly hair. The rider, the obvious winner, wears a stephanos, or crown; the carrier wears a thick floral wreath.


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    Two girls playing a game known as ephedrismos, late 4th–3rd century B.C.
    Greek, Corinthian
    Terracotta; H. 5 3/8 in. (13.8 cm)
    Rogers Fund, 1907 (07.286.4)