Scales

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This set of bronze scales was found in a man's grave at Kiloran Bay on Colonsay in the Inner Hebrides. He was buried in a boat with a range of Scandinavian weapons, tools and pin. He was probably a trader as well as a warrior.

The scales are an equal arm balance. The unornamented pans were attached to the end of the beam by three chains each. The form and use of three chains suggest that the scales may have been made in the British Isles.

Scales have been found throughout the Viking world, and must have been much used in a society which weighed precious metals for payment. Most, though not all, Viking examples are folding, and attach to the pans with four chains.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-000-099-698-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: Kiloran Bay Viking Burial (multimedia essay)
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• Ref: National Museums Scotland  
• Date: Between 875 and 925
  
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• References:
  • Graham-Campbell, James and Batey, Colleen E. Vikings in Scotland. An Archaeological Survey. Edinburgh: University Press, 1998, pp 118-22. 
  • Grieg, Sigurd. Viking Antiquities in Scotland (=Viking Antiquities in Great Britain and Ireland, Part II, ed. by Haakon Shetelig). Oslo: H. Aschehoug & Co., 1940, pp 48-61, esp. p 50. 
  • Ritchie, Anna. Viking Scotland London: B.T. Batsford Ltd/Historic Scotland, 1993, pp 79-84.
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