R47

Etruscan large bronze strigil

A very large bronze strigil with a broad scooped blade and a robust curved handle ending in an undecorated leaf-shaped terminal attached to the back of the blade.

The strigil was used in bath houses to scrape the skin clean after an application of oil had been made. Strigils frequently appear in the decoration on Greek pottery where they are shown being held by athletes.

Etruscan, end of 6th Century BC

Size: 27 x 4 cms

Erosion holes/cracks on the blade; the metal is strong and in very good condition apart from the stated damage.

Ex. private collection, Dorset, UK. Acquired before 1960.

Compare for similar: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, USA. Accession nos. 61.378 and 61.379.