In Part 7.A of this series, we presented :
“Like a Man Obsessed” – Dice Collectors Tell Their Story
and we laid some groundwork by discussing a wide variety of modern 6-sided (d6) dice.
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In this post we will continue to explore the fascinating hobby of dice collection by going to the museum. Namely, to The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The banner image for this post shows a collection of dice that is nearly 2000 years old. This collection was discovered between 1896 and 1897 in Middle Egypt and dates from the Roman period, 30 B.C. to 330 A.D..
Notice that the numbering (1-6) and the position of the numbers (sum of opposite sides equal 7) is exactly as dice are made today.
Also, for you geeks out there, Am I seeing things or are these dice right-handed? Again, exactly as most dice that are made today.
Tessellated Die
This 12-sided die dates from between the second and third century A.D.. It may also be Roman.
What do you think, is it a game die?
No one knows for sure what it was used for.
Bar Die
This example of Islamic art is actually a bar die that is approximately 1000 years old. It dates from between the tenth and eleventh century A.D..
Notice that it has a 5 and a 6 marked on its visible sides.
What do you suppose the opposite sides of this die add up to?
Ancient d20
The characters on this 20-sided die are Greek.
It was found in Egypt and dates between the second and fourth century A.D…
Long Die
This type of die rolls like a log and may have any number of sides.
This one appears to have 12 sides.
It comes from the Turkic people of Russia living in southern Siberia known as the Khakas.
Animal Dice
These animal dice are added to today’s post just for fun. And to make a point.
While collecting dice can be an adventure where you go out and explore the farthest regions of the world, you can also collect dice at home. Or near your home. Right there, wherever you live.
– – – Looks like I rolled 4 pairs, Does that give me a prize? I wonder what it is. – – –
Polyhedral Dice
And let’s not forget all the shapes of dice that are used in RPG’s. From d20 spin downs to d4 caltrops.
Once again, I’m struck by this truism : Whoever said dice collecting was boring was dead wrong.
Stay tuned next week for a few more thoughts about the art of collecting dice.
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In Part 7.C of this series we will continue to present :
“Like a Man Obsessed” – Dice Collectors Tell Their Story
