Three Round Copper-Alloy Balance Weights with Crosses

Date:
8th–9th century
Culture:
Byzantine
Medium:
Copper alloy
Dimensions:
1/4 x diam. 1 in. (.6 x diam. 2.6 cm)
Classification:
Metalwork
Credit Line:
Purchase, Christopher C. Grisanti and Suzanne P. Fawbush, and Alastair B. Martin Gifts, 2002
Accession Number:
2002.213.4
  • Description

    These objects are decorated with a cross and their respective weights in Greek initials-six ounces, two ounces, and one ounce-within a herringbone wreath. Most round weights were turned on a lathe, but the smallest of these three appears to have been cast in a mold instead.

    In Byzantium, precise measurement of goods was achieved by a set of standard balance weights.

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