Strigills are the term used to describe specific tools or instruments that were commonly used in ancient times for bathing and grooming purposes. These tools consisted of a curved metal or bronze blade attached to a handle, resembling a shallow spoon, and were primarily employed in the act of cleaning the body by scraping off dirt, sweat, and excess oils from the skin.
Originally developed by the ancient Greeks, strigills became widely popular throughout the Roman Empire, where they were utilized by both men and women in public baths, known as thermae or balneae, as well as in private homes. The curved shape of the strigill allowed for efficient cleaning of the body's contours, reaching areas that were otherwise difficult to access.
During a bathing session, individuals would apply oils or ointments onto their skin and then use the strigill to remove them, along with any accumulated impurities. This process often required the assistance of a servant or slave who would scrape the back of the bather. Strigills were typically accompanied by a small oil flask, known as an aryballos, which contained the oils or perfumes being used.
Over time, strigills evolved in design and were produced in various sizes and materials, including metal, ivory, or even precious metals, for those of higher social status. They were often ornately decorated with intricate patterns or engravings.
Today, strigills serve as valuable artifacts and reminiscences of ancient bathing practices, offering historians insights into the hygiene, cleanliness rituals, and social customs of the past.
