Steelyard Rod with Weight and Hooks

Unknown

5th–7th century · Copper alloy · Medieval Art

Steelyards, a Roman invention, were used to weigh goods by sliding weights along the rod to balance the load suspended from hooks on the chains. This rod is inscribed with scales for two sets of measures and the names of the owners.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–7th century

Medium

Copper alloy

Culture

Byzantine

Department

Medieval Art

Credit line

Purchase, Christopher C. Grisanti and Suzanne P. Fawbush Gift, 2008