Kilo

The history of scales and weighing machines in Gipuzkoa is intricately connected with the region’s economic and commercial development. In Gipuzkoa, measures and weighing instruments have had significant historical importance, especially in the commercial field. Engraved marks of old measurements have been found in various places in Gipuzkoa, such as the towns of Zegama, Bergara, and Zizurkil.

These marks served as measurement standards to ensure fairness in commercial transactions. In Zegama, the mark on the rod in the church of San Martín dates to the 18th century. In Bergara, the marks engraved on the pillars of the arcades in the Plaza de San Martín de Aguirre are difficult to date precisely. However, they relate to a decision of the Juntas Generales of Gipuzkoa (an archaic parliament) in 1606 to standardize the measurements of bricks and tiles throughout the province. As for Zizurkil, the reference to the “gorabilla” or “codera” is older; it is mentioned in an agreement of the Juntas Generales of Azkoitia in 1484. In the 16th century, the Juntas Generales of Gipuzkoa made decisions to standardize measurements throughout the province.

In 1606, a uniform measurement was set for bricks and tiles throughout Gipuzkoa. Standardized measurements helped to resolve commercial disputes. An example is the dispute between Martín Ruiz de San Millán and the population over the size of the seles (circular plots for livestock) in 1539-1542. Scales played a crucial role in Gipuzkoa’s trade, especially considering its strategic position as a bridge between northern and southern Europe. Towns such as Irun and Hondarribia were important commercial centers where scales were essential for weighing goods. Gipuzkoa has been a territory facing the sea, which implies an intensive use of scales since the 11th century in ports for international trade. Likewise, since the establishment of commercial relations with America, Gipuzkoa was integrated into a globalized “world” economy, which increased the importance of precise measurements and reliable scales.

Women participated in commercial activities that required the use of scales, especially in local markets and small shops. For example, Bergara’s long textile tradition suggests that women, who have historically played a key role in this industry, used scales in their work activities.