Secretly Incredibly Fascinating
Scales
Feb 5, 2024
The podcast explores the history and significance of scales, from their use in weighing goods to their role in trading and justice. It also delves into interesting topics such as Big Bird's connection to Egyptian art, the use of gold dust as currency in the Asante Empire, the challenges of weighing animals in zoos, and the implications of technology on self-understanding.
01:05:58
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Quick takeaways
- The Asante Kingdom in West Africa used balancing scales for economic exchange and as a representation of their cultural lore.
- Weigh stations on highways not only help with taxation but also ensure safety and prevent excessive wear on roads.
Deep dives
The Cultural Significance of Balancing Scales in Asante Kingdom
The Asante Kingdom in West Africa used balancing scales for all their transactions and as a repository of cultural lore. They had a finely calibrated balancing scale and a satchel containing gold dust, scale scoops, and intricately carved counterweights that represented sayings or parables. The counterweights were called Maramu-O and were small and highly carved. This combination of functional tools and culture made their economic exchange unique.
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