Weight Sets: Identification and Analysis. Issue 2 (23rd April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schon, Robert
• Is Part Of: Cambridge archaeological journal. Volume 25:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 494
• Publication Date: 2015-04-23
• Subjects: Antiquities -- Periodicals; Prehistoric peoples -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1017/S0959774314000808
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-7743

Abstract

Abstract : Standardized weights and measures play an important role in the economies of complex societies. Traditionally, archaeometrologists have employed individual weights as their basic units of analysis and, as a result, they have been able to address a limited range of questions concerning the economic role of weights. I propose a shift in emphasis from individual weights to sets of weights as the primary units of analysis. Using cases from the Aegean Bronze Age, I present a method for reconstructing sets of weights, offer criteria for their analysis and discuss the implications of this new perspective.