Bone and Ball Bags

Greek Phormiskoi and Diktydia

Bibliographic Data

ID4082572
AuthorsDyfri Williams (corresponding author)
Year2022
Issue119
Pages295-319
Publication date2022-10-04
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePallas (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0031-0387 • E-ISSN: 2272-7639
PublisherOpenEdition (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.4000/pallas.25022
OpenAlexW4387198335
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited18

This article argues that 5th century BC Athenian vases show that the construction and contents of two medium-sized bags are distinct: phormiskoi were stiff, tightly woven bags that held knucklebones (astragaloi), whereas a second type, the name of which is not preserved, but might have been diktydia, were of flexible open net-like make and held small balls. The visual contexts for both types of bags are examined and are found to reinforce the distinction. The representations of the games played with small balls and astragaloi, especially the players actions, are also discussed, few and difficult to interpret though they are. Finally, note is taken of the role of astragaloi beyond the ludic and an image introduced that might show astragalomanteia in action

Art · Ball (mathematics · Geometry · Visual arts · Classical Antiquity Studies · Computer Science · Historical and Literary Studies · Historical, Religious, and Philosophical Studies · Mathematics

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