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Lot Essay
A full translation of this text by Professor W. G. Lambert, accompanies this lot.
Professor Lambert notes that the tablet records the administration of domestic animals in the town of Umma and lists the manner in which the flocks were divided during the course of one year, allotted both as government supplies, and as supplies for the officially supported cults existing in Umma at that time. The particular manner in which animals of one type are distinguished from others within their group gives evidence of the importance of certain features about them. Sheep, for instance, are described as grass-fed or grain-fed, unplucked or plucked.
Religious institutions named in the distribution of oxen, cattle, goats, sheep and lambs include the temple of Shara, and the temples of Enilagarsikilla and Emakhsikilla. Statues also receive mention; animals were sacrificed to them, while other offerings were made on public occasions, such as Eshesh festivals, and the cold water ceremony. The names of ceremonies can serve to describe their nature, such as that of the offering to the Lyre, on the day of the moon's disappearance. Animals are conducted to their destinations by cupbearers, officials, and a physician.
Professor Lambert notes that the tablet records the administration of domestic animals in the town of Umma and lists the manner in which the flocks were divided during the course of one year, allotted both as government supplies, and as supplies for the officially supported cults existing in Umma at that time. The particular manner in which animals of one type are distinguished from others within their group gives evidence of the importance of certain features about them. Sheep, for instance, are described as grass-fed or grain-fed, unplucked or plucked.
Religious institutions named in the distribution of oxen, cattle, goats, sheep and lambs include the temple of Shara, and the temples of Enilagarsikilla and Emakhsikilla. Statues also receive mention; animals were sacrificed to them, while other offerings were made on public occasions, such as Eshesh festivals, and the cold water ceremony. The names of ceremonies can serve to describe their nature, such as that of the offering to the Lyre, on the day of the moon's disappearance. Animals are conducted to their destinations by cupbearers, officials, and a physician.