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The Throw of Isis-Aphrodite: A Rare Decorated Knucklebone from the Metropolitan Museum of New York.

Authors :
Nifosi, Ada
Source :
Journal of Egyptian Archaeology; Jun-Dec2022, Vol. 108 Issue 1/2, p177-189, 13p
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Knucklebones were ubiquitous objects in the ancient world and they had several meanings, from gaming pieces to oracular dice. The study of a new unpublished decorated knucklebone from Graeco-Roman Egypt with a 'Baubo' image of a squatting naked woman, preserved at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, offers the opportunity to explore the variety of contexts of use of decorated knucklebones in this area: from play and divination to Orphic rituals and local religious festivals. Its decorated sides represent three Graeco-Egyptian deities whose meanings and magical interactions can be understood through the comparison with other Romano-Egyptian gaming pieces, terracottas, magical gems and papyri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
03075133
Volume :
108
Issue :
1/2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Journal of Egyptian Archaeology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
160907395
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/03075133221137365