Accession No
1277
Brief Description
set of three brass weights, in the shape of a duck and chickens, Burmese
Origin
Burma [now Myanmar]
Maker
Class
weights & measures
Earliest Date
Latest Date
Inscription Date
Material
metal (brass)
Dimensions
max. h 70 mm
Special Collection
Provenance
Inscription
Description Notes
Set of three weights in brass, in the shape of a duck and chickens, Burmese.
Two ‘chicken’ weights, one ’duck’? weight. Cast with octagonal bases. Chickens part of set.
Condition good
References
Events
Description
Weight sets, which first emerged 5,000 years ago, were essential tools for trade, science, and daily life. Serving as standardised measures in markets and stores, weights ensured fair transactions. They also played a critical role in scientific advancements in early societies.
This set of brass weights from Burma are one example of this popular instrument. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, was often used by instrument makers because of its durability. This set of weights is undated. However, weights like these were produced for many centuries until they were officially replaced by standard imperial weights in 1885.
09/08/2024
Created by: Clare Rogowski on 09/08/2024
FM:39579
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