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Sling-bullet
Greek
Late Archaic-Late Classical Period
5th–4th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Lead
Dimensions
Legacy dimension: L. 0.038 m.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Edward Jackson Holmes
Accession Number52.190
CollectionsEurope, Ancient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsWarfare, hunting, fishing – Firearms
DescriptionThis lead sling bullet (molubdis) takes the common eliptical shape. The sling itself (sphendone) would have been made of two cords connected by a leather pocket to house the projectile. It was whirled around three times, and one end was released so that centrifugal force would carry the bullet towards the target. Projectiles like this typically weigh between .75 and 1.75 ounces. There are remains of raised Greek letters on both sides. On the most legible side there are two rows of writing: The top begins with omicron and sigma and the initial letters on the bottom seem to be lambda and alpha. Lead shot from Greece often bear inscriptions indicating the name of the commanding general or the warring state, but some are notoriously sarcastic.
Much worn; letters certainly missing.
Much worn; letters certainly missing.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: Mrs. Edward Jackson Holmes Collection; gift of Mrs. Edward Jackson Holmes to MFA, February 11, 1952