Game Piece with Zodiac Sign of Cancer or Scorpio

mid-12th century

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 304

This rare carving of a stylized crab representing the sign for Cancer or Scorpio likely came from a set of game pieces containing the Zodiac signs. The opposing twelve pieces probably depicted the Labors of the Months, scenes of common rural activities in the Middle Ages.

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Game Piece with Zodiac Sign of Cancer or Scorpio
Date: mid-12th century
Culture: North French
Medium: Walrus ivory
Dimensions: Overall: 2 7/16 x 1/2 in. (6.2 x 1.3 cm)
Classification: Ivories-Walrus
Credit Line: Pfeiffer Fund, 2012
Object Number: 2012.169
Curatorial Department: Medieval Art and The Cloisters

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