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The scales

  • Department for Ethnology, Material culture, Traditional crafts, The scales

Section:

  • Ethnology›Material Culture

In the rich collection of urban and rural craftsmanship in the Department of Ethnology the objects of kujundžijski (metal-handling) craft are kept. Part of the collection are the scales used for weighing precious metals and gems.

The scales are made of brass, central part is the beam with a pointer, and on both sides of the beam are round weighing pans suspended on three strings each. Edges of pans are mildly bent inwards. There are three small prismatic weights accompanying the scales, on which marks of mass are carved on the one side, and on the other the inscription „Vilajet Bosna“ in Ottoman Turkish. The scales and the plates are kept in a small wooden box.

The scales were used as a basic tool in metal-handling craft for measuring the most precious objects, like precious stones, gold and smaller pieces of jewellery.

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The scales are kept in the depot of the Ethnological Department and can be seen in consultation with the Museum Administration.

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  • Department for Ethnology, Material culture, Traditional crafts, The scales