Strigil

This is a strigil. The handle of the strigil is on the right side while the left side was used for scraping the body. It measures about 12 in. [30 cm.] along a straight horizontal line from the left tip to the end of the handle on the right.

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 of oil and dirt off their bodies.

This is one of the best preserved strigils that I have seen (including those at Olympia!).  The museum label dates this bronze strigil to the Roman Period.

This artifact is on display in the museum at Bergama (the modern city by Pergamum).