A Mesopotamian trade weight, carved from beautiful banded agate and dating to the Old Babylonian period. The weight has been modelled in the stylised shape of a duck, portrayed sleeping with its head tucked towards its body. The base appears flattened and unworked. The surface is smooth, with only minor scratches and wear. The piece is pierced for suspension. Known as the ‘sleeping duck’, this shape is amongst the most popular for Near Eastern weights. It was commonly used in Mesopotamia during the Early Babylonian period as a weight system and was introduced into Anatolia by an Assyrian merchant. A great number of duck weights have been found throughout the Near East and in Anatolian sites. Measurements (Circa): L 1.4cm x W 1cm Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.