tablet
- Museum number
- 40006
- Description
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Fragment of limestone tablet: engraved with an inscription of a late Babylonian king. After a lengthy account of the royal titles and achievements, which occupies the Obverse, the text records the re-endowment of a temple, possibly of Ea or of Nabu, which the king undertook at the entreaty of a priest or high official, whom we may possibly identify with Nabii-nasir-napshati. The text enumerated in detail the provisions made by the king for the sustenance of the priest and the maintenance of the temple sacrifices. He also appears to have arranged and organized the various trades and occupations, which were carried on in connection with the service of the temple, assigning to each body of workers the allowances to which they were entitled. The remains of symbols, possibly signs of the zodiac, are visible: (1) Symbol, resembling two rods joined in the centre, standing upon a shrine; (2) a Symbol upon a shrine, both of which are broken, so that only their outline can now be traced ; (3) Symbol, of which only the base is preserved, standing upon a shrine; (4) Figure facing to the left, and clothed in a long fringed robe reaching to the ankles. Iron rivet inside.
- Production date
- 900BC-850BC
- Dimensions
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Length: 6.13 inches
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Width: 3 inches
- $Inscriptions
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- Curator's comments
- Though no line is completely preserved, it is clear that, in its general character, the text bears a striking resemblance to the " Sun-god Tablet," which records Nabu-aplu-iddina's re-endowment of the Sun-temple at Sippar. On the other hand it presents a closer connection with the kudurru-texts, in that the scene which is sculptured on the obverse includes symbols of gods standing upon shrines.
- Location
- Not on display
- Acquisition date
- 1880
- Department
- Middle East
- BM/Big number
- 40006
- Registration number
- 1880,1112.1895
