Inscribed jumping-weight (halter)
Jumping-weight (halter) in the shape of an almost double axe, which provided a firm handhold. On one side it bears a three-line inscription in verse, carved boustrophedon, a style of writing in which alternate lines of writing are reversed, with letters also written in reverse, mirror-style.
From the inscription we learn that Epainetos was the victor in the long jump thanks to these halteres:
“ΗΑΛ (Λ) ΟΜΕΝΟΣ ΝΙΚΗΣΕ / Ν: ΕΠΑΙΝΕΤΟΣ Η /ΟΝΕΚΑΤΩΔΕ: ΗΑ [ΛΤΗΡΕ…]”
The unfinished inscription would probably continue on another similar weight, as the jumpers used the halteres in pairs in order to achieve a longer jump. Epainetos would have taken part in games at Eleusis during the local feast of Eleusinia and after his victory he expressed his gratitude to the goddess by offering her his jumping-weights.
- Athens, National Archaeological Museum, inv. n. X 9075
- Late 6th c. BC
- L. 0.115 m. W. 2.199 k.
- Lead
- Provenance: Sanctuary of Demeter, Eleusis
Bibliography
- Kakkavas, G. (Ed.), (2013). Leaving a Mark on History. Treasures from greek museums, Exhibition Catalogue, Regional Museum Plovdiv. May 30 - October 30, 2 013 , 88, 92, no. 65. (P. Bouyia), Athens.
- Κaltsas, Ν. (Ed.), (2004). Agon. Exhibition Catalogue. National Archaeological Museum, July 15 - October 31, 2004, pp.198, cat.no. 87 (Μ. Zapheiropoulou), Athens: Ministry of Culture.
- Tzachou - Alexandri, O. (Ed.), (1989). Mind and body. Athletic contests in ancient Greece. Exhibition Catalogue, National Archaeological Museum, May 15,1989 – January 15, 1990, pp. 253, 255-256, cat.no. 147 (P.G. Kalligas), Athens: Ministry of Culture.
