Asset number
460102001
Description
Black basalt kudurru (boundary stone): consists of a small stele with rounded top. The Obverse is nearly flat, and the surface of the Reverse has a pronounced curve. The upper part of the Obverse was carved in shallow relief with emblems, to a depth of at least 4 1/2 in. from the top; emblems were also carved on the top of the stele and down the sides to about the same level as those upon the Obverse. These symbols include: (1) Horned dragon beside a shrine, on which was probably the wedge; Top and right side, (2) Scorpion, (3) Seated bird on a shrine, (4) Portion of a shrine, with the symbol it supported broken away, (5) Lion-headed mace, the portion below the head being scaled like a serpent, supported upon a shrine, and (6) Serpent. The inscription occupies the rest of the Obverse and the whole of the Reverse, the lines of the text running right across the stone. The text contains a title-deed of two estates, situated in the Chaldean province of Bit-Dakuri, and known as Bit-Kha'rakhu and Bit-Nurea, recording the confirmation under seal of Adad-ibni's claim to their possession by Shamash-shum-ukin in the ninth year of his reign. Mushezib-Marduk, the father of Adad-ibni, had been dispossessed of the lands during the troubles which preceded Esarhaddon's conquest of Bit-Dakuri, and, on the restoration of order, he had been reinstated by the king. But Esarhaddon had omitted to give him the property under seal, and, now that both he and Esarhaddon were dead, Adad-ibni appealed to Shamash-shum-ukin to confirm him under seal in the possession of his father's estate. Nabu-ushallim, who had been appointed ruler of Bit-Dakuri by Esarhaddon, gave evidence that the land in question had always been private property, with no official claim upon it. Thereupon Shamash-shum-ukin confirmed Adad-ibni in possession of the estates, and a deed was drawn up to that effect and sealed by the king in the presence of witnesses. Incomplete; large pieces missing; restored(?).
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