Description:

Ancient Near East, Early Babylonian, ca. 1800 to 1600 BCE. A trio of smooth, elongated, ovoid weights made of heavy hematite, with slightly dull, silvery surfaces. Each has rounded ends. The weight marked with two incised parallel lines - the largest - indicates that it is two units of a standard weight. Size of largest: 1.75" L x 0.45" W (4.4 cm x 1.1 cm); smallest is 1.6 grams; medium is 8.3 grams; largest is 16.8 grams

Stone weights were used by the Babylonians 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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November 9, 2017 8:00 AM MST
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