Strigil

This strigil is hanging by its handle.  The curved bottom portion was used for scraping the body.  It measures about 12 in. [30 cm.] along a straight horizontal line from the tip of the handle to the bottom tip.

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.  After a workout or an athletic contest, the athletes would use a strigil to scrape the film or oil and dirt off their bodies.

For a view of a strigil from Pergamum Click Here.