In other words, they were masterpieces in the original meaning of the word. Masterpiece originally meant not just some great or acclaimed work, but something much more specific. It was the work a guild artisan would use to demonstrate their ultimate skill and earn the title of Master. It was the craftsman equivalent of an academic dissertation. For a specific historical example, see columbine cup.

I'm just imagining a thousand years from now some archaeologists is trying to understand the technological purpose of the fidget spinner.

I really like the "you cant actually make one from a description" angle. That actually makes a lot of sense. Like, you couldn't even make it from memory, you'd have to copy it.

There is no evidence of knitting in the Roman Empire, which if it was there is weird when you consider how much art they made that shows other parts of their daily lives and how many deities they had for every aspect of life.

The solid ones would also be completely useless for knitting gloves. And why are these typically found in hoards of money if they’re a part of domestic life? It just doesn’t fit the available evidence. I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but it doesn’t work to explain all of them.

Apperently the holes are important for the knitting, but there are some dodecahedrons without holes.

These were clearly used for fossil crafting.

Nah the knitting / weaving idea doesn't add up.

Basically, they can be used to weave a tube, but that isn't really evidence that they were created with that intention.

The bronze would be polished up around the knobs if it were used that way.

You wouldn't use bronze to make a weaving tool just because it's so expensive. Maybe as a once off or special item, but not generally.

You don't vary the size of your knitting or weaving by using a bigger template / more loose weave. One larger finger you would use more stitches: that's fundamental to knitting and weaving.

At first glance it's a nice idea but it doesn't withstand critical thought.

100 internet points, but I can't give them. Gloves.

Or they will immediately start fidgeting with them and inadvertently understand.

Which now leads me to believe these relics are merely copies of earlier relics that were copied from relics even earlier. Created only to be recreated as the echo of human curiosity.

Or finger traps.

Yeah, let's eliminate Grok.

Almost anything is a weapon if you try.

It's the most likely use, IMO. They could be mace heads intended for personal protection. The different holes would be to accommodate different handle diameters, making it easy to swap to another handle if it breaks.

Did they ever discover what started the fires?

Made my day ❤️

While you may be right, you're basically yelling at humans to not be curious and problem solve.

I'm not sure that solves all the problems, like why mostly in gaul and why do they all look mostly the same? I think if it was just a fashion trend you would see them get more elaborate.

You dont learn autism my friend.

You mean the spaghetti portion measurer?

I knew it had something to do with cloth

Lenny.world blocks everything they probably don't like your instance for some reason. The images only load for me if I'm on a VPN