1995.845.40: Weight
Tools and EquipmentIdentification and Creation
- Object Number
- 1995.845.40
- Title
- Weight
- Classification
- Tools and Equipment
- Work Type
- weight
- Date
- n.d.
- Places
- Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World
- Period
- Byzantine period
- Culture
- Byzantine
- Persistent Link
- https://hvrd.art/o/304448
Physical Descriptions
- Medium
- Copper alloy
- Technique
- Cast, lost-wax process
- Dimensions
-
0.2 x 1 x 1.1 cm (1/16 x 3/8 x 7/16 in.)
1.4 g - Technical Details
-
Technical Observations: The patina is green with brown areas and some lighter green and tan in the recesses and around the edges. The weight was probably cast by the lost-wax process. The curved semicircular line appears to have been stamped. Due to mineralization and cleaning after excavation, it is not clear how the other fine lines on one side of the weight were formed.
Francesca G. Bewer (submitted 2012)
Acquisition and Rights
- Credit Line
- Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of David and Genevieve Hendin
- Accession Year
- 1995
- Object Number
- 1995.845.40
- Division
- Asian and Mediterranean Art
- Contact
- am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
- Permissions
-
The Harvard Art Museums encourage the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. To request a higher resolution file of this image, please submit an online request.
Descriptions
Published Catalogue Text: Ancient Mediterranean and Near Eastern Bronzes at the Harvard Art Museums
This circular weight is small and flat. One surface bears the denomination marker, an “N,” indicating that it is related to the nomisma, or “H,” indicating that it is equal to eight siliquae, rendered in incised lines (1). The impression of the edge of a stamp above is visible on the edge.
NOTES:
1. Compare another circular piece with an “N” in the British Museum, London, inv. no. EA38387, dated from the mid-sixth to seventh centuries CE, which is slightly larger and heavier (3.6 g) than the Harvard piece. A lighter piece in the same museum, inv. no. 1980,0601.261, is 1.57 g and bears an “H.”
Lisa M. Anderson
Subjects and Contexts
- Ancient Bronzes
Verification Level
This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu