Neo-Sumerian/Ur III clay administrative tablet, probably a receipt for livestock or another measured commodity, circa 21st century BCE. Description: small Ur III administrative receipt, around 2100–1600 BCE, rather than a literary, religious, or legal text: its compact 2.9 cm, thick “pillow” form, dense obverse followed by a shorter and more worn reverse closely match published Neo-Sumerian receipts recording single transactions involving livestock, grain, straw, metals, or rations—several Met examples ...( https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/322462 )... measure almost exactly 2.8–3.1 cm and concern sheep, goats, lambs, cattle, or commodities. The pale buff clay is consistent with ordinary unbaked or lightly fired Mesopotamian clay, while the rounded corners, compressed signs and severe surface abrasion suggest a practical archival document that was handled or exposed after deposition. The most plausible structure is therefore: quantity + commodity or animal category + responsible person/recipient, followed on the reverse by an official, date, or accounting notation. The repeated short horizontal impressions near the upper-right are most plausibly numerical or metrological components. Hand-inscribed using a reed stylus, the wedge-shaped cuneiform script is still visible despite age-related wear. The surface displays an attractive aged patina, with minor cracks and mineral deposits consistent with long-term burial. Its tactile form bridges the gap between past and present – once held by a scribe over 4,000 years ago. Mesopotamia – modern-day Iraq – is revered as the "Cradle of Civilisation", home to the world’s earliest writing system. Tablets such as this are among the oldest written artefacts known to humanity, making them highly desirable for collectors of ancient history. Culture: Ancient Mesopotamia – Old Babylonian Empire Material: Clay Dating: c. 2000–1600 BC Provenance: Private collection acquisition, UK (pre-2000) Origin: Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) Condition: Good condition for age. Surface wear, historic cracks, and small areas of loss. Text partially legible. See photos for condition. approx. 29 x 29 mm Weight: approx. 20 g A wonderfully authentic and timeless artefact – ideal for collectors, museums, or enthusiasts of ancient scripts and Near Eastern history. Will be shipped securely and professionally packaged. ****** Dear bidders, please note that we do not ship to the UK, UAE or SWITZERLAND or other countries outside the European Union. If you are located outside the EU and win this lot, the sale will unfortunately have to be cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. Enjoy the bidding. oct3