Description:

Ancient Near East, Early Babylonian, ca. 1800 - 1600 BCE. A trio of smooth, elongated, ovoid weights made of heavy hematite, with slightly dull, silvery surfaces. Each has rounded ends. Size of largest: 1.75" L x 0.45" W (4.4 cm x 1.1 cm)

Stone weights were used by the Babylonians and Anatolians to check the accuracy of payment when exchanging valuables - land, agricultural goods, paying taxes, etc. Weights like this one would be placed on pan scales alongside commodities. Weights correspond to local standardized units, known as talents and mina. They were made to be both functional and aesthetically appealing, suggesting that the people who used them valued beauty in everyday objects.

Provenance: Ex- California Museum of Ancient Art

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#120959

  • Condition: Very slight surface scoring

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March 15, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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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 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000