This artifact originated during the Classical period approximately between the 6th to 5th century BC. It is made from local grey limestone, measuring roughly 20cm in length. It is carved into an elongated dumbbell shape with impressions at each end, and a grooved path along its middle for a firm grip, an indication of its practical use during athletic activities.
Originally used during the early Olympic games, these weights were instrumental in long jump events, assisting athletes in achieving greater distances. They would typically be swung in rhythm to the athletes' jumps, not only enhancing their performance but also demonstrating their strength and coordination.
The weight of these artifacts is not uniformly distributed. This characteristic, common among halteres, prompts differing interpretations from historians. Certain theories suggest this imbalance could have served to alter the training intensity, while others propose it may have been dependent on the right or left-handed preference of the athletes. The artifact bears markings of archaic Greek characters, possibly denoting the names or initials of their owners. Over the centuries, the inscriptions have been partially faded, yet remain discernible, demonstrating the interaction between human history and material culture.
