Greek Lead Knucklebone Astragaloi on Stand

Originates from: Mediterranean Area, Greece

Era: 5th - 3rd Century BCE

Dimensions: 4" H x 1.5" W x 1.5" D

A lovely example of a lead “knucklebone” astragalus die, Ancient Greek in origin, circa 5th - 3rd century BCE. Although a relatively nondescript hunk of lead now, these would have been the original forms of dice used both for children, as well as for magical divination. Originally, children would have used knuckle bones from animals as dice, more scarcely found are bronze and lead examples like this - to play games similar to modern jacks. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, these were also often used in an early form of divination called Astragalomancy in which the astragaloi were tossed, and divine truths would be predicted or told based on the side the dice landed on. Dice were often marked with each side prescribed a numerical value, rolled in sets and results often compared to large stone “dice oracles” that were pillars carved with tables made to interpret Astragaloi readings. 

Provenance: Ex Alex Malloy Collection, USA