Bronze strigil (scraper)

5th–4th century BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 161

In the Greek world, olive oil was basic for skin care. After oil was applied to the body, a strigil was used to scrape the surface of the skin clean. Numerous representations on vases indicate that athletes followed this procedure after exercising. While most examples are of bronze, strigils also exist in silver and glass.

Artwork Details

Overview

References

Title: Bronze strigil (scraper)
Period: Classical
Date: 5th–4th century BCE
Culture: Greek
Medium: Bronze
Dimensions: length 6 5/8 in. (16.8 cm)
Classification: Bronzes
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1914
Object Number: 14.105.2
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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