Description
The emphasis on sumptuous materials, such as precious metals and stones, is a common characteristic of foundation deposits. This tablet resembles the semiprecious stone lapis lazuli, prized by the Mesopotamians, although it is in fact made from a less costly material known as "Egyptian blue." It bears an inscription of King Warad-Sin, ruler of the city-state of Larsa, with a prayer and a dedication.
Provenance
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.
Inscriptions
[Translation from composite text of Cuneiform Digital Library RIME 4.02.13.22]:
For Nininsina, \ the great lady, the mother of the nation, \ who creates the living things of the nation, \ first-born child of holy An, \ his mistress - \ Warad-Sîn, \ the mighty man, \ provider of Ur, \ king of Larsa \ and king of Sumer and Akkad, \ shepherd who perfects justice and the divine plans, \ the Plant of Life temple, \ the sacred dining hall, \ her place of relaxation -\ her temple which in a past time \ had been built and had grown old - \ for his life\ and the life \ of Kudur-mabuk \ the father who begot him, \ he rebuilt for her \ and restored for her. \ In her residence that gladdens the heart \ I caused her to dwell in grand fashion, \ and my royal name \ I put there everlastingly. \ For ever after today \ to cause the praising of me, \ foundation document(s) in praise of my princeliness \ into its foundation I buried, \ and a pure brick wall for it I placed upon it. \ For my deeds, \ O Nininsina \ my mistress, may you rejoice over me. \ May a fate of life, \ a long reign, years of abundance, \ and a throne with a secure foundation \ be presented to me. \ In the shrine of Larsa, \ the city where I was created, \ may my days be long. [https://cdli.ucla.edu/P272909]
