Elamite Brick Fragment of King Untaš-Napiriša

Culture: Iran/Elamite

Period: 1345-1305 B.C. or 1275-1240 B.C.

Material: Clay

Dimensions: 12.5 cm x 15 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 6136

Provenance: From the collection R.C., Munich, acquired between 1958 and 1962.

Condition: Cuneiform fragment.

Description: The Elamite brick of light brown clay, which was placed in the masonry, originates either from Susa or Chogha Zanbil (both today in Iran) and depicts the following four lines of inscription, running from the right (b) to the left (a) side: 1b. “I, Untaš-Napiriša, son (of) 1a. “Humban-numena” 2b. “King of Anshan” 2a. “(and Susa), have (built) the temple 3b. “with fired bricks” 4a. 2(and) handed over” 3a. “to Išne-Karab,” 4b. from siyan-ku(k)”. Untaš-Napiriša (his reign is disputed amongst scholars, 1345-1305 B.C. or 1275-1240 B.C.) is one of the few today known kings of the middle Elamite kingdom (1900-1100 B.C.). He renovated numerous temples in Elam, 20 alone in the old capital city Susa. Amongst them is the temple of Pinikir, in which he also donated a golden statute of Pinikir, and the temple of Inšušinak, where he expanded the ziggurat.