English: From a unique group of early documents recording the transfer of land (in this case one "b'uru"- about 150 acres), this tablet illustrates the transition from a writing system based on pictures to one where signs represent sounds. The vase and foot are easily recognized but represent sounds rather than objects. In the bottom row, the two wavy lines sprouting plants is the sign for garden.
Date
between circa 3100 and circa 2900 BC (late Uruk; Early Dynastic I-II)
Medium
red stone
Dimensions
H: 2 5/8 x W: 2 5/8 x 7/8 in. (6.6 x 6.6 x 2.3 cm)
Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]
Sale, Joseph Brummer, New York, 1941
Walters Art Museum, 1941, by purchase
Exhibition history
In Search of Ancient Treasure: 40 Years of Collecting. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1978. Highlights from the Collection. The Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore. 1998-2001.
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== {{int:filedesc}} == {{Walters Art Museum artwork |artist = Sumerian |title = ''Protoliterate Tablet'' |description = {{en|From a unique group of early documents recording the transfer of land (in this case one "b'uru"- abo...