Inscribed sling-shot
Magna Graecia, 4th – 3rd century BC; lungh. cm 5; A terracotta ovoid sling-shot with Greek inscriptions. On reverse, a stamp with a male figure, partially cloacked and holding a small curved rod, probably a sling.

Πρώ(τα) φυλἀ
φα̣(τρία) Ῥ̣ιπεα̣(...)
Δαμάτριος
Πυρίνου

The inscription (in Dorian, ancient Greek dialect) bears a proper name, accompanied by the patronymic. It belonging to a military commander or to a soldier; is preceded by the number of one of the three civic tribes (phyle) in which his city was divided, and by the name of his social division group (phratria).
Sling-shots are small objects (leaden or terracotta) used in war during Greek and Roman periods; they are real bullets used by slingers against enemies. Often sling-shots bears inscriptions with names of cities in war, kings, military commanders, artisans, or victory cheers.

PROVENANCE:
English private collection, acquired on the London art market in the 1980s.

Estimate: GBP: 400-600