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 its head turned, to serve as an astragal.

Game piece in the shape of a baboon, Bone

Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.

Open Access

As part of the Met's Open Access policy, you can freely copy, modify and distribute this image, even for commercial purposes.

API

Public domain data for this object can also be accessed using the Met's Open Access API.

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

This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.