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LOT 0233
Western Asiatic Sumerian Bulla Containing Tokens
4TH MILLENNIUM BC
2" (63.6 grams, 50mm).
A hollow ceramic bulla envelope containing tokens, decorated with reserved figures of animals and plants.
ProvenancePart of a specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman; examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s; this small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples; accompanied by a copy of Professor Lambert’s notes.
FootnotesIt is believed that there are less than 250 (complete and fragmentary) examples of this type of bulla envelope worldwide and no example has ever been offered at auction. The outer clay envelop contains a number of pre-baked accounting tokens which were used in commercial and stock-taking transactions.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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1st millennium BC
Lot No. 2026
Sold for (Inc. premium): £375
10th-12th century AD
Lot No. 2217
Sold for (Inc. premium): £33
Mid 2nd millennium BC
Lot No. 0242 Opening bid: £1,215
