Description:

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer / Babylon, Old Babylonian Period, ca. 2000 to 1600 BCE. A rectangular terracotta tablet inscribed with cuneiform text on both sides, created by pressing a pointed reed or stick into the soft clay. While its contents remain untranslated, this piece offers a window into the administrative and communicative practices of ancient civilizations. As one of the earliest writing systems, cuneiform was used for a wide range of purposes, including recording transactions, tracking labor, documenting genealogies, and even lodging complaints. This tablet is a fascinating glimpse into the early writing of Mesopotamia! Size: 1.3" L x 1.2" W (3.3 cm x 3 cm)

Provenance: private London, UK collection; ex-private London, UK collection; ex-A.H. collection, a London dealer, acquired from A. Kotlar, Druout Paris; ex-French art market, 1980s

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#190689

    Condition:
  • One side is abraded and script is not easily discernable, but the other side is sharply impressed.

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January 9, 2025 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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