Tell Halaf Idol of a Seated Mother Goddess

Terracotta pillow-shaped tablet with grid to each broad face, each cell with an impressed image and a corresponding number of impressions from the tip of a rod, a list for the distribution of animals to the contrary reading: Obverse: Column 1 1. 4(N14) 2(N01) , SZE~a MUSZ3~a units of barley 2. , SI4~f |3(N57).EN2| Column 2 1.a. 2(N14) , SZE~a EN~a PAP~a PAP@t units of barley 1.b. 3(N19) , 2. 3(N19) , MUSZ3~a 3. 1(N19) , LA2 TE SZE~a 4.a. 2(N14) , SZE~a EN~a KISAL~b1 PA~a units of barley 4.b. 5(N04) , 5. , |NUN~a+NAM2| Column 3 1. 2(N14) , SZE~a EN~a PAP~a PAP@t units of barley 2. 2(N19) 3(N04) , MUSZ3~a 3. 1(N19) 4(N04) , EN~a KISAL~b1 PA~a (name?) 4. 3(N14) 4(N01) , SZE~a IDIGNA EN~a KISAL~b1 PA~a units of barley 5. , ZATU659 Reverse: Column 1 1. 5(N14) 2(N01) , MUSZ3~a |3(N57).EN2| 2.a1. 1(N45) 2(N14) 3(N01) , SZE~a |NUN~a+NAM2| units of barley … 2.a2. 1(N45) 1(N14) , SZE~a ZATU659 units of barley … 2.b1. 5(N14) , SZE~a units of barley 2.b2. 7(N19) 3(N04) (total units) 2.b3. 3(N14) , SZE~a “ 2.b4. 8(N19) “ Column 2 1. 1(N45) 4(N14) , (sub?- total units of barley) … 2. 1(N46) 4(N19) 5(N04) , Column 3 1. 2(N45) 2(N19) 6(N14) 5(N04) , SZE~a 1(N57) SI4~f |SIxKU~b1| SZEG9 E~a (grand total units of barley) … 140 grams, 93 mm



From specialised collection of cuneiform texts, formed in the 1950s-1990s. The property of a London gentleman and housed in London, thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. Accompanied by a copy of a handwritten and signed scholarly note for five tablets written by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12119-216212.

Pillow-shaped terracotta tablet with impressed cuneiform text to both broad faces and two edges. 10.4 grams, 28 mm



Acquired from Alister Matthews in 1958, from catalogue number 53, item 702 (6). From the private collection of the late Dr J.D.H. Widdness, Dublin, Ireland. Accompanied by an original Alister Matthews catalogue cutting from 1958. Accompanied by an old original typed cataloguing slip probably from the late 1950s.

Comprising two hoop earrings with hollow-form beads, each bead embellished with filigree. 4.13 grams total, 23-32 mm



UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.