Terracotta group of two girls playing a game known as ephedrismos

late 4th–early 3rd century BCE

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 158

The subject of this group with one person carrying another has a long history in Greek art. It is thought to illustrate a game called ephedrismos. A stone was placed upright on the ground, and balls or pebbles were thrown at it from a distance. The loser's eyes were covered, and he had to carry the other player on his back until he found and touched the stone. There were probably a number of variations. Here the little girl carries her companion but does not have her eyes covered.

Artwork Details

Overview

References

Title: Terracotta group of two girls playing a game known as ephedrismos
Period: Hellenistic
Date: late 4th–early 3rd century BCE
Culture: Greek, Corinthian
Medium: Terracotta
Dimensions: H. 5 7/16 in. (13.8 cm)
Classification: Terracottas
Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1907
Object Number: 07.286.4
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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