Glass astragal (knucklebone)

Unknown

3rd–2nd century BCE · Glass · Greek and Roman Art

Colorless. Shaped like the knucklebone of a sheep or goat. Solid with continuous mold seam along sides and ends. Intact; severe pitting, dulling, and 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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

3rd–2nd century BCE

Medium

Glass

Culture

Greek

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Gift of J. Pierpont Morgan, 1917