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. View Short DescriptionCast 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
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