CIRCA 14TH-13TH CENTURY B.C.

Details

A SYRIAN TERRACOTTA CUNEIFORM TABLET
circa 14th-13th century b.c.
Inscribed on one side with a marriage contract reading "Arad-Ashtar son of Lad-Dagan, gave his daughter Alahi as a wife to Zu-Dagan, son of Bibi ... He (Arad-Ashtar) took 30 shekels of silver as her bridewealth. In the future Arad-Ashtar may not lodge a suit ... against Zu-Dagan concerning the bridewealth; whoever lodges a suit, this tablet will defeat him," the reverse also inscribed, reading "Seal of Bazi, son of Nani," with two impressions of a round stamp seal with a griffin following, then reading, "Seal of Sin-shatem, son of Iphur-Dagan, the..." with an impression of a Hittite hieroglyphic cylinder seal following, and then reading, "Seal of Hudna, son of Padupahi," with the impression of an uninscribed cylinder seal following, and finally reading "In the presence of Dagan-shatem, son of Hala"
2½ in. (6.4 cm) high

Provenance

Dr. Elie Borowski

Special notice

On occasion, Christie’s has a direct financial interest in lots consigned for sale. This interest may include guaranteeing a minimum price to the consignor which is secured solely by consigned property. This is such a lot.

Lot Essay

A bridewealth was a gift customarily given to the bride and her family by the groom and his family. This was added to the bride's dowry and was supplemented by the bride's gift from her father. If the union was dissolved, either by death or divorce, the bride would leave the relationship with this gift.

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