Silver Strigil with a Fingertip

Culture: Roman

Period: 2nd-3rd century A.D.

Material: Silber

Dimensions: 18 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 3266

Provenance: Private collection B.N.L., Chiswick, Great Britain.

Condition: Intact

Description: Very elegant strigil formed from one single silver sheet. The blade is deeply curved, becoming thinner towards the top and finishing into a finger slightly bent outwards. Fingernail and wrinkles engraved in cold work. The rectangular, elongated handle once held a piece of wood for reinforcement. On the inside of the handle horizontally engraved decoration lines. Strigils served for cleansing of the bodies. It scraps off oil which was applied on the skin. This present rare silver example is possibly a votive offering for a woman. For reference see an example at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number 03.24.7, categorized as Hellenistic or Etruscan. Mounted.