Lot 166: AN ASSORTMENT OF ANCIENT GAMING PIECES IN VARIOUS MATERIALS

An assortment of ancient gaming pieces in various materials, comprising approximately thirty-six archaeological artifacts likely originating from the Mediterranean or Near Eastern regions, dating from the Roman and Byzantine through to the Early Islamic periods. The collection features a diverse range of forms, including dome-shaped and conical stone weights, lathe-turned pawns, and glass game counters. The stone components include a large polished oval cabochon of banded carnelian, along with various dome-shaped and conical items fashioned from basalt, limestone, and schist. The glass selection includes a frosted clear sphere, a translucent pale green dome, and a dark green ribbed disc. A prominent turquoise-coloured faience sphere exhibits heavy surface pitting. Several small, cream-coloured lathe-turned pieces resemble miniature vessels or gaming pawns. A dark stone square token is decorated with four circular indentations above four incised characters reading VVAN. Other decorated pieces include a circular disc with a central hub and eight radiating lines forming a wheel motif, and a cream-coloured disc perforated with six pits arranged around a central hub. A dark stone disc appears to show a stylized face or floral motif in low relief, likely a stamp seal. The artifacts exhibit characteristic burial patina, including calcified deposits and surface oxidation.