Glass astragal (knucklebone)
Unknown Artist
Colorless.
Shaped like the knucklebone of a sheep or goat. Solid with mold seam along one end.
Intact; severe pitting and slight iridescent weathering.
In antiquity, one of the most popular games of chance was played with astragaloi, knucklebones of sheep and goats. They could be used like dice or like jacks, thrown in the air and caught on the back of the hand. Knucklebones have been found in tombs where they must have been intended to help the deceased while away endless time.
Credit: Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917
3rd–2nd century B.C.
Glass; cast in a two-part mold
1.7 x 1.1 cm
17.194.572
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2018
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection
