Strigils & Sponges; A Strigils was a small, curved, metal tool used in ancient Greece and Rome to scrape dirt and sweat from the body before effective soaps became available. First perfumed oil was applied to the skin, and then it would be scraped off, along with the dirt. For wealthier people, this process was often done by slaves. Strigils were often used in Roman baths and were made in different sizes for different body parts. Gladiators would scrape off their sweat, bottle it, and sell it to their fans. High quality vintage art reproduction by Buyenlarge. One of many rare and wonderful images brought forward in time. I hope they bring you pleasure each and every time you look at them.