Akrotiri Boxers - Two Young Boys Wearing Boxing Gloves and Belts - Bronze Age - 1700 BC - Repoduction - pure Bronze Sculpture

Item Specifics

Condition: New, Made in Greece.
Material: Pure Bronze
Height: 11 cm - 4,3 inches
Width: 8 cm - 3,1 inches
Length: 2,5 cm - 1 inches
Weight: 250 g

The Akrotiri Boxer Fresco, discovered in 1967, is one of the Wall Paintings of Thera, leading examples of Minoan painting. It is a fresco depicting two young boys wearing boxing gloves and belts and dates back to the Bronze Age, 1700 BCE. Around 1600 BCE, a disastrous earthquake, followed by a volcanic eruption, covered Akrotiri in a thick layer of pumice and ash, which resulted in the remarkable conservation of frescoes, including the Akrotiri Boxer Fresco, from multiple buildings throughout the town. This particular fresco was found in room B1 of Building Beta along with the Antelope Fresco. The boys' shaved heads and stray locks indicate their youth, while their darker skin tone indicates their gender. The boy on the right is completely nude except for a belt, whereas the boy on the left has jewelry; most likely markers of a higher status. They appear to be slightly over life size at roughly 5'10". In order to create such vibrant frescoes, a smooth lime plaster was applied to the walls and then painted over. It is unsure if the match was a competitive one or simply a routine sport.