Scales Item Number: 3055/210 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Scales consist of a metal rod (part a) and two metal pans (parts b-c). Rod has a string attached to its middle. One pan (part c) has an upraised circle design on convex side.
Used to weigh powdered gold (gold dust). In exchanges of gold dust, both buyer and seller would weigh it on their own pair of scales, to ensure fairness. Due to the difficulty of handling gold dust, boys would train how to manage it by practicing with miniature scales. These scales were an integral part of any futuo (gold weight set). When not in use, the futuo would be carefully protected, rarely leaving the owner's possession. It was believed a part of a trader's kra (soul) was contained within the package, and so would often be included in the purification ceremony during the annual Odwira festival.