Stele of Ushumgal
Early Sumerian stone tablet / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Stele of Ushumgal is an early Sumerian stone tablet, dating to the Early Dynastic I-II (circa 2900-2700 BCE), and probably originating from Umma.[3][4] It is currently located in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.[3][1][5]
Stele of Ushumgal | |
---|---|
Material | Gypsum alabaster |
Size | 22 cm high |
Created | circa 2900-2700 BCE |
Discovered | Possibly Umma 31.621369°N 45.933406°E / 31.621369; 45.933406 |
Present location | British Museum, London |
Registration | Metropolitan Museum of Art 58.29 |
The stele is 22 cm high. It is partially deciphered, refers to an early transfer of land ownership. A large man is inscribed with a label, which can be read “Ušumgal, the pab-šeš priest of (the deity) Šara”. On the other side stands a female with an unclear name, probably the daughter of Ushumgal.[3][1]
The stele has been described as a type of "ancient Kudurru", a sort of stele known from the Kassites period in the 2nd millennium BCE.[6][7]
The name "Akka" appears in the Stele of Ushumgal, as Ak gal-ukkin, "Ak gal-ukkin official". It has been suggested this could refer to Aga of Kish himself.[8][9]
- The daughter of Ushumgal.
- Three men, possibly from a local council
- The name "Akka" appears in the Stele of Ushumgal, as Ak gal-ukkin, "Ak gal-ukkin official". It has been suggested this could refer to King Aga of Kish himself.[8][10]
- Another figure
- Line art of Aga of Kish from the Stele of Ushumgal.