Wooden Box with Bronze Balance Scale

Coptic

Not on view

Scales such as these were used throughout the Byzantine world to measure money and other lightweight objects. According to Byzantine law, the suspension cord of the scales was to be held by two fingers of one hand, with the other fingers straight to ensure that no undue pressure was placed on the scales. The wooden storage container protected the delicate balance of the mechanism.

Wooden Box with Bronze Balance Scale, Wooden box and copper alloy scale, Coptic

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