A measuring weight carved from hematite in the shape of a stylized duck, its long neck turned across its back, the head resting flat in the center as if sleeping, the eyes and long bill articulated, the base flat.
The Mesopotamians used sets of standard weights in conducting business and set stiff penalties for those who used false weights. The weights themselves were usually made of a very hard stone like hematite. A simple barrel shape was the most common form, but weights such as this example in the form of a duck, with its neck and head resting along its back, were also prevalent
A measuring weight carved from hematite in the shape of a stylized duck, its long neck turned across its back, the head resting flat in the centre as if sleeping, the eyes and long bill articulated, the base flat.
Condition: Intact and in excellent condition overall, a very lovely example.
The Mesopotamians used sets of standard weights in conducting business and set stiff penalties for those who used false weights. The weights themselves were usually made of a very hard stone like hematite. A simple barrel shape was the most common form, but weights such as this example in the form of a duck, with its neck and head resting along its back, were also prevalent.
