Lot 2023
Egyptian Weights. Late Period, ca. 664-332 BC, Rare 7-Piece Set. Ancient Egyptian weights were traditionally made in units known as debens, a standard weight of 93.3 grams, though some weights from the Old and Middle Kingdoms appear to have been in units of around 12 to 14 grams and sometimes as much as 27 grams. Prior to the New Kingdom, there appears to have been less standardization than afterwards. After the 12th Dynasty, a smaller unit known as a kite (qedet) with a weight of 9 to 10 grams was used and the deben itself was increased to ten kite. In reality, while the deben was a general measure of copper, silver and gold, the kite was only used for measuring silver and gold, but primarily silver. These weights in precious metals were used to describe the equivalent value of a wide variety of non-metallic goods, thus forming a rudimentary price system during the non-monetary economy of the Pharaonic Period. None appear to be inscribed. An impressive set of early weights, fashioned of basalt.
Cf. Royal Ontario Museum CMC S97 10867. Estimate Value $1,000 - UP
Ex Living Torah Museum collection, donated to the museum by Dr. Donald Brown.
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| Realized $1,380 |
