Die (Period)

A die is a small cube used in games of chance, usually made of wood, bone, or ivory, with a different number of spots (1 through 6) on each side.  Dice existed in period, both as artifacts and as heraldic charges; they were one of the few medieval charges that were shown in trian aspect, though Continental emblazons often show them face-on.  When emblazoned, the numbers shown on the die are usually left to the artist – though in one case, the arms of Ambesas (c.1275), for canting’s sake the dice are traditionally depicted showing a point of ‘1’ (aces) [ANA2 351].

For related charges, see delf, tablet (weaver’s).

Dathi Thorfinnsson bears:  Pean, two dice in pale argent spotted sable.

Aethelwyn Castrel of Arran bears:  Sable, three dice Or spotted sable.

Kaleeb al-Akhdar bears:  Argent, a die gules marked argent.