<Li> 12 ounces of silver = 1 adult male slave </Li> <P> If the weight of a piece of jewelry was more than needed to complete a purchase, it was cut up into smaller bits until the correct weight needed for the transaction was reached . The term hack silver is used to describe these silver objects . Silver ingots were primarily used for large / high - value transactions . The largest found weights weigh more than 1 kilogram each . </P> <P> Precious metals were also used to display personal wealth and status . For example, Rus traders symbolized their wealth through silver neck rings . Silver or gold gifts were often exchanged to secure social and political relationships . </P>

What were two main items that japan traded in ancient times