Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment
Flag of IraqAncient Near Eastern ArtClay-Tablets-Inscribedca. 20th–19th century B.C.

Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment is a clay-tablets-inscribed of Old Assyrian Trading Colony origin created in ca. 20th–19th century B.C. using clay measuring 4 x 4.4 x 0.8 cm (1 5/8 x 1 3/4 x 3/8 in.) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumClay
Dimensions4 x 4.4 x 0.8 cm (1 5/8 x 1 3/4 x 3/8 in.)
ClassificationClay-Tablets-Inscribed
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LineGift of Philip H. Brady, 1958
Dateca. 20th–19th century B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Old Assyrian Trading Colony culture, dating from the Middle Bronze Age–Old Assyrian Trading Colony period. The estimated date range is 2000 BC – 1800 BC.

Geography

Origin: Anatolia. Flag of Iraq

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment?

Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment created?

Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment dates to ca. 20th–19th century B.C..

What material is Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment made from?

Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment is crafted from clay.

Is Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment in the public domain?

Cuneiform tablet: private letter fragment is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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