Game piece in the shape of a baboon

Ptolemaic Period

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 134

Animal ankle joints, anatomically termed astragals, were used as gaming pieces. The knucklebone itself might be carved, or astragal-shaped gaming pieces might be carved from other sources or materials. All were termed astragals, which were used like dice or jacks.
This baboon has been compactly carved, seated and with limbs and head against its body, to serve as an astragal.

Game piece in the shape of a baboon, Bone

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Game piece in the shape of a baboon, Bone
Game piece in the shape of a baboon, Bone
Game piece in the shape of a baboon, Bone
Game piece in the shape of a baboon, Bone

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