They could be manufacturing prototypes or examples for apprentices. It’s also replicas were made for trade to demonstrate the shape to others, or tokens of appreciation, or adapted into toys / primitive dice. <shrug>
I just learned the other day that “Roman dodecahedron” is a bit of a misnomer: They’re mostly from Britain and Gaul, and none have ever been found in Italy. So Celtic or Romano-Celtic would be more accurate descriptors.
It is a Roman dodecahedron, several of which have been found in Europe. The purpose of it is unknown, though there are many theories.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_dodecahedron
The most compelling theory is a glove loom of sorts. Variations are found to this day.
Some have no holes. Seems pretty inconvenient to use as a loom that way. Some were too small for knitting.
They could be manufacturing prototypes or examples for apprentices. It’s also replicas were made for trade to demonstrate the shape to others, or tokens of appreciation, or adapted into toys / primitive dice. <shrug>
No wear patterns…
Back, and to the left…
The ancient version of three shells
I just learned the other day that “Roman dodecahedron” is a bit of a misnomer: They’re mostly from Britain and Gaul, and none have ever been found in Italy. So Celtic or Romano-Celtic would be more accurate descriptors.