Description

This actually made for everyday use in Burma Laos and Thailand. They were used on scales to weight all sorts of foods raw materials and metals, including all sort of Commerce.

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Motif

The most frequent motifs of the Burmese weights are the "Duck" and the "Lion".

The elephant, the motif of the Laotic standard weights (Loas), plays a significant role in the Buddhist tradition and religious life.

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1) Ducks (hintha)

Hintha corresponds to the 'hamsa' (sometimes called 'hansa') of Hindu-mythology. Hamsa was the wild goose, the steed of Brahma who is the creator of universe, the protector of the world, the God of wisdom. Hamsa represented the ideals of purity and goodness.

2) Lions (toe)

The second most frequent type of animal weights is the "Burmese conception of the lion". The toe represents a legendary creature from burmese mythology.

The lion is a popular motif of Buddhist art. It symbolises royal power and was the animal of Buddha Shakyamuni and the emblem of the house of Shakya. Very often lions sculptures are the guards of temples and pagodas.

3) Elephants

Most of the elephant-shaped weights are of Laotic origin. Laos was once called "LAND CHANG", the country of million elephants. The national flag of the Kingdom of Laos showed a elephant.

Weighting System

The whole system as follows:

1 Viss	=	100 Tical	=	1600 grams
1/2 Viss	=	50 Tical	=	800 grams
		20 Tical	=	320 grams
		10 Tical	=	160 grams
		5 Tical	=	80 grams
		2 Tical	=	32 grams
		1 Tical	=	16 grams
		1/2 Tical	=	8 grams
		1/4 Tical	=	4 grams
		1/8 Tical	=	2 grams

But another system each unit represents the double weight of the proceeding one: 2grams, 4 grams, 8 grams, 16 grams, 32 grams, 64 grams, 128 grams, 256 grams. This system is especially for elephant weights.

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