Six-Sided Teetotum Dice Spinner with Ring-and-Dot Carvings

Historical Bone Six-Sided Teetotum Dice Spinner with Ring-and-Dot Carvings

Historical Origins of the Teetotum

Spinning tops marked with numerical values, widely known as teetotums, boast a fascinating history. Finds of similar gambling devices date back to Ancient Greece and Rome, and they remained immensely popular throughout the medieval era. They were frequently used as an alternative to the classic cubic dice. In certain periods and jurisdictions where strict laws banned dice gambling, players often used teetotums to circumvent the rules, as they could be easily disguised or argued away as simple children's toys. The ring-and-dot motif used on the faces is one of the most historically accurate ways bone and horn items were decorated during antiquity and the Middle Ages.

How to Play with the Dice Spinner

Using the bone teetotum is highly intuitive and adds a fun visual element to your games. You simply grip the top of the wooden peg between your thumb and index finger, and spin it vigorously on a flat, hard surface, such as a sturdy wooden camp table. The hexagonal shape of the bone body ensures that once the top loses its momentum and falls over, it will land flat with one clearly visible side facing upwards. The number of engraved ring-and-dots on the top face dictates your roll (ranging from 1 to 6). It is an excellent accessory for historical board games, role-playing, or straightforward wagers among mercenaries.

Caring for Natural Bone and Wood

This teetotum is constructed from real animal bone and wood. As organic materials, they require a little care to prevent damage. Never expose the bone to extreme, rapid temperature changes or prolonged moisture, as this can cause the material to warp or crack. Under no circumstances should this item be placed in a dishwasher or cleaned with harsh modern chemicals! Simply wipe it down with a dry or very slightly damp cloth to remove dirt. To keep the wooden peg from drying out, we recommend occasionally rubbing a small amount of linseed oil or beeswax into the wood. Please note that due to the handcrafted nature of the product, slight variations in the bone's colour, grain, and the exact placement of the dots are entirely normal and expected.

Technical Specifications of the Teetotum

Recommended Accessories for Your Game

To ensure this beautiful historical prop doesn't get lost in the mud of the campsite, we highly recommend purchasing a historically accurate leather drawstring pouch and perhaps a set of replica coins from our shop to serve as your gambling stakes.