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Identification and Creation

Object Number
1983.107
Title
Cuneiform Tablet and Envelope: Old Babylonian Sale Document
Classification
Tablets
Work Type
tablet
Date
c. 1749-1712 BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Mesopotamia
Period
Old Babylonian/Isin-Larsa period
Culture
Babylonian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/289671

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Clay
Technique
Impressed
Dimensions
7.5 x 5.3 x 3.3 cm (2 15/16 x 2 1/16 x 1 5/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
Nanette Rodney Kelekian, New York, formerly in the possession of her father Charles Dikran Kelekian; gift to Fogg Art Museum, 1983.

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
CDLI P393095

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Gift of Nanette B. Rodney
Accession Year
1983
Object Number
1983.107
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Rectangular clay tablet partially encased in clay envelope with cuneiform writing on both tablet and envelope. Multiple seal impressions (of the same seal) are preserved on envelope. Tablet is inside envelope and only partially exposed, so only reverse surface is visible. Envelope is broken with one edge and most of reverse missing.

The text is dated to the reign of Samsuiluna (c. 1749-1712 B.C.E.), king of Babylon and son of the famous law-maker, Hammurabi.

The text, which it is possible to reconstruct using both tablet and case (as the same text is typically written on both with only minor variations), describes the sale of a plot of land. The document follows a typical Old Babylonian formula: description of the size and location of the plot; the name(s) of the seller(s); the name of the buyer; the price; a statement that a ritual affirming the transaction took place; oath by the name of the king; witnesses; date.

Publication History

  • Deena Ragavan, “Cuneiform Texts and Fragments in the Harvard Art Museum / Arthur M. Sackler Museum”, Cuneiform Digital Library Journal (2010), no. 5.2

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu