Terracotta group of two girls playing a game known as ephedrismos

Greek, Corinthian

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 158

The subject of this group with one person carrying another has a long history in Greek art. It is thought to illustrate a game called ephedrismos. A stone was placed upright on the ground, and balls or pebbles were thrown at it from a distance. The loser's eyes were covered, and he had to carry the other player on his back until he found and touched the stone. There were probably a number of variations. Here the little girl carries her companion but does not have her eyes covered.

Terracotta group of two girls playing a game known as ephedrismos, Terracotta, Greek, Corinthian

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