Glass astragal (knucklebone)
Translucent amber brown.
Shaped like the knucklebone of a sheep or goat. Solid with mold seam along one side.
Intact; severe pitting, dulling, and patches of iridescent weathering.
In antiquity, one of the most popular games of chance was played with astragaloi, knucklebones of sheep and goats. They could be used like dice or like jacks, thrown in the air and caught on the back of the hand. Knucklebones have been found in tombs where they must have been intended to help the deceased while away endless time.
Shaped like the knucklebone of a sheep or goat. Solid with mold seam along one side.
Intact; severe pitting, dulling, and patches of iridescent weathering.
In antiquity, one of the most popular games of chance was played with astragaloi, knucklebones of sheep and goats. They could be used like dice or like jacks, thrown in the air and caught on the back of the hand. Knucklebones have been found in tombs where they must have been intended to help the deceased while away endless time.
Artwork Details
- Title: Glass astragal (knucklebone)
- Period: Hellenistic
- Date: 3rd–2nd century BCE
- Culture: Greek
- Medium: Glass; cast in a two-part mold
- Dimensions: Overall: 5/8 x 7/16 x 7/16 in. (1.6 x 1.1 x 1.1 cm)
- Classification: Glass
- Credit Line: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
- Object Number: 17.194.568
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Greek
3rd–2nd century BCE
Greek
3rd–2nd century BCE
Greek
3rd–2nd century BCE
Greek
3rd–2nd century BCE
Greek
3rd–2nd century BCE
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