The strigil (Latin: strigilis) or stlengis (Greek: στλεγγίς, probably a loanword from the Pre-Greek substrate) is a tool for the cleansing of the body by scraping off dirt, perspiration, and oil that was applied before bathing in Ancient Greek and Roman cultures. In these cultures the strigil was primarily used by men, specifically male athletes; however, in Etruscan culture there is evidence of strigils being used by both sexes.[1] The standard design is a curved blade with a handle, all of which is made of metal.[2]
Strigils were commonly used by individuals who were engaging in vigorous activities, in which they accumulated large amounts of dirt and sweat on their bodies.[3] The people who used the strigil included athletes, the wealthy, soldiers, and more. However, wealthy or prestigious individuals often had slaves to wield the strigils and clean their bodies, rather than doing it themselves.[4]
Strigils were not only significant in a practical sense, but culturally as well. They are often found in tombs or burials, in some cases along with a bottle of oil.[5]
- ^ De Puma, Richard. "A Third-Century B.C.E. Etruscan Tomb Group from Bolsena in the Metropolitan Museum of Art". American Journal of Archaeology: 429–40.
- ^ Padgett, J. Michael (2002). Objects of Desire: Greek Vases from the John B. Elliot Collection. Record of the Art Museum, Princeton University. pp. 36–48.
- ^ Boardman, J.; Kenyon, K. M.; Moynahan, E. J.; Evans, J. D. (1976). "The Olive in the Mediterranean: Its Culture and Use [and Discussion]". Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 275: 187–96. doi:10.1098/rstb.1976.0080.
- ^ Leader, Ruth E. "In Death Not Divided: Gender, Family, and State on Classical Athenian Grave Stelae". American Journal of Archaeology: 683.
- ^ Boardman, John. "Sickles and Strigils". The Journal of Hellenic Studies: 136–137.