Group of Ephedrismos
Location
Era
Hellenistic Period (323-31 B.C.E.)
Title
Group of Ephedrismos
Date
1st half of 2nd c. B.C.E.
Materials
Earthenware, pigments
Dimensions
34.5 x 14 x 10.5 cm
Credits
Purchase, gift of Gerald Benjamin in honour of his wife Cynthia, inv. 2003.66
Collection
Archeology and World Cultures
This figurine represents an ephedrismos scene, a popular childhood game. Ephedrismos was a mixture of lawn bowling and piggybacking rolled into one. This figurine depicts the moment where the girl has failed to overturn the larger stone with her pebble and must carry the winner on their back. In this rendition, the winner of the game is Eros, the god of love. Eros’ presence in this common scene, could signify marriage and the girl’s possible betrothal.
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