Islamic (Umayyad / Early Abbasid) Square Weight with Kufic Inscription - Unknown

Islamic Bronze Square Weight with Kufic Inscription – 7th–9th Century AD – Possibly Umayyad / Early Abbasid

Material: Bronze
Weight: 1.58 g
Dimensions: 7.8 mm (square)
Culture: Early Islamic, influenced by Byzantine metrological system
Provisional dating: c. 7th – 9th century AD
Possible denomination: ½ Dirham (approx.)

Description:
A rare and authentic early Islamic square bronze weight, produced under the influence of the former Byzantine metrological tradition following the Islamic conquests of the eastern Mediterranean.

The upper surface is engraved with stylised Arabic inscriptions in early Kufic script, accompanied by geometric elements and dots. These markings most likely refer to official verification and denomination, commonly seen on weights from provincial Islamic mints and administrative centers.

The form and size strongly resemble earlier Byzantine cubic and square commercial weights, showing a transitional phase in early Islamic material culture, when former Roman-Byzantine systems were adapted to Islamic monetary standards.

Weighing 1.58 grams, this piece closely matches a half-dirham (½ Dirham) standard, used as a commercial control weight in markets and trade.

Possible Dynasty Attribution
Based on:
• The square Byzantine-inspired form
• The early Kufic letter style
• The light weight standard
• The lack of elaborate later Abbasid ornamentation
This example is most likely Umayyad (661–750 AD) or early Abbasid (750–850 AD) in date.
A late 7th to 8th century attribution is therefore highly plausible.

Condition
Very good archaeological condition with:
• Dark green and brown patina
• Clear incised markings
• Crisp edges and intact structure
• Natural earthen and oxidation deposits
• No restorations or modern alterations

Historical Context
During the first Islamic centuries, newly established administrations standardised weights for silver dirhams, gold dinars and trade goods, often copying Byzantine weight styles, especially in former Roman provinces such as Syria, Egypt and Palestine. Such weights were essential for taxation, coin production and commercial accuracy.

These early Islamic weights are increasingly rare and strongly collected for their direct connection to the formation of the Islamic Caliphate economy.

Provenance: From a European private collection formed in the 1980s. A Provenance document is available in PDF format upon request.