Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers
Flag of IraqAncient Near Eastern ArtClay-Tablets-Inscribedca. 2028 B.C.

Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers is a clay-tablets-inscribed of Neo-Sumerian origin created in ca. 2028 B.C. using clay measuring 1 3/16 x 1 1/8 x 1/2 in. (3 x 2.8 x 1.2 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumClay
Dimensions1 3/16 x 1 1/8 x 1/2 in. (3 x 2.8 x 1.2 cm)
ClassificationClay-Tablets-Inscribed
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LineGift of Archbishop Elias F. Shaheen, 1985
Dateca. 2028 B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Neo-Sumerian culture, dating from the Ur III period. The estimated date range is 2028 BC.

Geography

Origin: Mesopotamia. Flag of Iraq

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers?

Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers created?

Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers dates to ca. 2028 B.C..

What material is Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers made from?

Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers is crafted from clay.

Is Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers in the public domain?

Cuneiform tablet: record of rations of beer, bread, oil, and onions for messengers 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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