The invention of writing in approximately 3300 B.C. was one of many developments in administrative technology–including the use of geometric tokens for counting and cylinder seals to guarantee transactions–that accompanied the growth of the first cities and states in southern Mesopotamia. Proto-cuneiform is the name given to the earliest form of writing–pictograms that were drawn on clay tablets. Gradually, the pictograms became abstracted into cuneiform (Latin, “wedge-shaped”) signs that were impressed rather than drawn. At its greatest extent, cuneiform writing was used from the Mediterranean coast of Syria to western Iran and from Hittite Anatolia to southern Mesopotamia. It was adapted to write at least fifteen different languages. The last dated cuneiform text has a date corresponding to A.D. 75, although the script probably continued in use over the next two centuries for scholarly and religious texts.
Mesopotamian Foundation Cone with Cuneiform Inscriptions
£1,295.00
A Mesopotamian clay foundation cone with a tapered conical body inscribed with Sumerian cuneiform. The cone displays a concave base with a cylindrical body tapering to a point. The middle of the cone is inscribed with lines of cuneiform text, framed by a horizontal line on top and bottom. Such inscriptions were made by impressing a sharpened reed or stick into the still-wet clay just before the firing process. Votive cones were buried in the walls and beneath the floors of important buildings during construction to sanctify the site and to create a historical memory of the ruler and his achievements. Hidden from view, these inscribed objects were meant to be found during later restorations.
Provenance: From the collection of a London gentleman, acquired on the French art market in 2003; Ex. Alan Kotlar collection, since the 1970s; Ex. French collection, 1950s-1960s.
Condition: Very fine condition. The cone is intact, with some minor surface chipping and flaking. Chips to the base. The base of the cone displays dark earthly encrustation.
SOLD
Weight | 110 g |
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Dimensions | L 13.4 x W 2.8 cm |
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Pottery and Porcelain |