Balance-Beam Scale Possibly 500 - 800

This small balance-beam scale was made by the Nazca people of ancient Peru. It’s unknown exactly when, since the Nazca civilization flourished from around the 1st century to the 8th century AD. These scales likely played a role in the exchange of goods and resources within Nazca society. Given the arid environment of the region, access to water and fertile land would have been critical. Scales like these may have ensured fair distribution. Notice the stylized birds carved at each end. Birds held symbolic importance in Nazca culture, often associated with fertility and agricultural cycles. In this context, the birds may have added a layer of cultural significance to the act of weighing, connecting commerce to broader beliefs about nature and sustenance. Understanding the use of this balance-beam scale requires research into Nazca trade networks, social structures, and belief systems. Archaeological reports and ethnohistorical accounts help contextualize the meaning of this object and its place within the larger fabric of Nazca society.