Strigils

Copper strigils from the Roman Period. After a workout or an athletic contest, the athletes would use a strigil to scrape the film of oil and dirt off their bodies.  The handle of the strigils are on the right side while the left side was used for scraping the body.

Prior to exercising or athletic contests the male Greek contestants would lubricate their bodies with olive oil. This would reduce the number of minor skin injuries and help keep the pores free from dirt.  And then, after a workout or an athletic contest, the athletes would use a strigil to scrape the film of oil and dirt off their bodies.

To view an athlete and attendant with a strigil Click Here.