Ancient Near East, Sumer, ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A petite rectangular "biscuit" or tablet with rounded lateral sides, angled edges along the top and bottom, and slightly convex faces. The faces of the tablet are inscribed with eight lines of cuneiform text formed by impressing a sharpened stick or reed into the still wet clay just before firing. Included with the tablet is an envelope inscribed with seven lines of cuneiform text, perhaps addressing the intended recipient of the tablet. Envelopes like this example were used to further protect the information on smaller tablets, and were intended to be destroyed or reused upon reaching its intended reader. Size of largest (envelope): 1.5" W x 1.625" H (3.8 cm x 4.1 cm).

Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006

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#133879

Envelope repaired from several small pieces with some losses, restoration, and light adhesive residue along break lines. Both items have surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, minor fading to impressed cuneiform symbols, and some light roughness across most surfaces. Light earthen deposits throughout.