Name of Object:

Weights

Location:

Aqaba, Jordan

Holding Museum:

Aqaba Archaeological Museum

Date of Object:

Hegira first half of the 2nd century / AD first half of the 8th century

Museum Inventory Number:

AM 51

Material(s) / Technique(s):

Moulded bronze.

Dimensions:

Height (in the range) 4–25 mm, width (in the range) 1.3–2.5 cm, weight (in the range) 2.1–149 g

Period / Dynasty:

Umayyad

Provenance:

Unknown.

Description:

Bronze weights that are not inscribed but which have a variety of shapes and decoration, the typology includes: the barrel form, a truncated bi-conical shape; the polyhedral type, with sides cut into polygonal facets; the very common brick shape; and the square shape. They are often pierced in the centre for safe-keeping, to keep them together as a unit, and in order to carry them easily.

These bronze weights relate to two monetary systems: the values for the dirham (silver) and dinar (gold) coins. The stratigraphic contexts of the Aqaba weights give some idea about the variations seen in these weights; heavier weights are more elaborate, the lighter weights simpler. The heavier weights could have been used to weigh merchandise heavier than coins.

View Short Description

Cast bronze weights from Ayla in Aqaba of a variety of shapes and decoration relating to two monetary systems: the values for the dirham (silver) and dinar (gold) coins. The heavier weights could have been for goods heavier than coins.

How date and origin were established:

The weights were dated by their stratigraphic context and in relation to pottery shards found at the same site.

How Object was obtained:

These weights were obtained during an archaeological excavation carried out in Aqaba in 1987–94.

How provenance was established:

The weights were recovered during an archaeological excavation in Aqaba, the original place of production is uncertain.

Selected bibliography:

Whitcomb, D., Ayla: Art and Industry in the Islamic Fort of Aqaba, Chicago, 1995, p.19.

Citation of this web page:

Aida Naghawy, Manal Basyouni "Weights" in Discover Islamic Art, Museum With No Frontiers, 2024. https://islamicart.museumwnf.org/database_item.php?id=object;ISL;jo;Mus01_D;16;en

Prepared by: Aida Naghawy, Manal Basyouni
Copyedited by: Mandi Gomez


MWNF Working Number: JO 27