Ancient Near Eastern ArtClay-Tablets-Inscribedca. 545 B.C.Cuneiform tablet: hire contract is a clay-tablets-inscribed of Babylonian origin created in ca. 545 B.C. using clay measuring 3.9 x 4.6 x 2.1 cm (1 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 7/8 in.) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Clay |
| Dimensions | 3.9 x 4.6 x 2.1 cm (1 1/2 x 1 3/4 x 7/8 in.) |
| Classification | Clay-Tablets-Inscribed |
| Department | Ancient Near Eastern Art |
| Credit Line | Gift of Mrs. Francis T. P. Plimpton, 1973 |
| Date | ca. 545 B.C. |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Babylonian culture, dating from the Neo-Babylonian period. The estimated date range is 545 BC.
Geography
Origin: Mesopotamia. 
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Cuneiform tablet: hire contract?
Cuneiform tablet: hire contract is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Cuneiform tablet: hire contract created?
Cuneiform tablet: hire contract dates to ca. 545 B.C..
What material is Cuneiform tablet: hire contract made from?
Cuneiform tablet: hire contract is crafted from clay.
Is Cuneiform tablet: hire contract in the public domain?
Cuneiform tablet: hire contract is in the public domain and can be freely used.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026