Old Babylonian Hardstone Duck Weight

$246.28

An extremely well-preserved Mesopotamian trade weight, finely carved from black hard-stone and dating to the Old Babylonian period. The weight has been modelled in the stylised shape of a duck, portrayed sleeping with erect tail and head tucked towards its body. The base appears flattened and unworked.

Date: Circa 1900-1600 BC
Period: Old Babylonian
Condition: Extremely fine, complete and intact.

SOLD

SKU: CS-280 Category: Tag:

Ancient Mesopotamia traded with many different regions, exporting different types of goods, and sets of standard weight became essential tools in conducting businesses. The weights themselves were usually made of a very hard stone like hematite, alabaster or other hard stones, as seen on this fine example. Weights modelled in the shape of ducks, with their heads resting along the back, were extremely popular.

Weight 2.6 g
Dimensions L 1.5 cm
Culture

Region

Stone

Reference: For a similar item, The Metropolitan Museum, item 74.51.4438.

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