Ancient Near East, Anatolian, Old Babylonian Period, ca. 1800 to 1600 BCE. A pair of smooth, elongated, ovoid weights made of heavy hematite, with slightly dull, silvery surfaces, and one that is in two pieces of the same form. All have rounded terminals. These weights likely originated from a trading colony set up by the Babylonians in Anatolia which was in existence for less than 200 years, making them quite rare. Size of largest: 1.6" L x 0.45" W (4.1 cm x 1.1 cm)

Stone weights were used by the ancients 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, USA, Museum of Ancient Art

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#120987

One is repaired in the center; others are intact. All have light surface scoring.