Description:

Pre-Columbian, Peru, Chimu, ca. 1100 to 1470 CE. A special balance scale for measuring, the woven cotton bags suspended from a wood balance beam via cotton and camelid wool cords. The beam is carved into birds facing the central axis, a wool suspension cords is attached to this area as well. The petite, portable size made this scale ideal for traveling and use in a marketplace. There is no evidence that measurements were ever standardized during this period by the Chimu, but were probably weighed in relation to other items. Such small scales that are relatively delicate and may have been used for weighing feathers which were nearly as precious as gold and silver, or other lightweight items. The loose, open weave could have also acted like a net for holding wood pans as well. Size: 6" L x 0.4" W x 12.5" H (15.2 cm x 1 cm x 31.8 cm); 13.125" H (33.3 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection; ex-Arte Textile, San Francisco, California, USA, 1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#177593

  • Condition: Minor fraying to woven bags, but weaving is intact and excellent. Wood beam is intact. Choice condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

August 25, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000