Gratefully built with ACNLPatternTool
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.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
Use your arrow keys to navigate the tabs below, and your tab key to choose an item
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
The Met's Libraries and Research Centers provide unparalleled resources for research and welcome an international community of students and scholars.
The Met Collection API is where all makers, creators, researchers, and dreamers can connect to the most up-to-date data and public domain images for The Met collection. Open Access data and public domain images are available for unrestricted commercial and noncommercial use without permission or fee.
We continue to research and examine historical and cultural context for objects in The Met collection. If you have comments or questions about this object record, please complete and submit this form. The Museum looks forward to receiving your comments.
