Game Piece with Zodiac Sign of Cancer or Scorpio

Unknown

mid-12th century · Walrus ivory · Medieval Art

This rare carving of a stylized crab representing the sign for Cancer or Scorpio likely came from a set of game pieces containing the Zodiac signs. The opposing twelve pieces probably depicted the Labors of the Months, scenes of common rural activities in the Middle Ages.

Artist

Unknown

Date

mid-12th century

Medium

Walrus ivory

Culture

North French

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Pfeiffer Fund, 2012