YBC 03934

Oblates, bird-catchers (usandû) of the Lady of Uruk, conclude a contract which is phrased as a dialogue. They tell Nabû-mukīn-apli/Nādinu//Dābibī (NMA), High Priest (šatammu) of Eanna, and Nabû-aḫu-iddin (NAI), Royal Overseer (ša rēš šarri bēl piqitti) of Eanna, that they want to complete the work assignment (iškāru) for the Lady of Uruk according to the instructions (ṭēmu) that NMA and NAI have sent them. NMA and NAI tell them to write (the labor division) willingly (ina migir libbi) with each other, and to take the work assignment for birds for the Lady of Uruk in turns. After discussing, the bird-catchers of the Lady of Uruk divide (the work) amongst each other. They do so by forming subgroups of 2-3 men, who are called masters of work assignment (bēl iškāri), and who provide mutual guarantees each.

1. group: Šamaš-iddin and Talīmu; 2. group: Zēria, Nanāya-ēreš and Lā-qīpu; 3. group: Rēmūtu, Ina-ṣilli-Ištar; 4. group: Iddināya, Ištar-ana-bītišu and Arad-Innin.

If one of them reduces the work assignment, he will bear king’s punishment (ḫīṭu clause).

3 witnesses.

Scribe: Pirʼu/Eanna-šumu-ibni.

Written confirmation of an agreement between Nabû-mukīn-apli/Nādinu//Dābibī, bishop (šatammu) of Eanna, Nabû-aḫu-iddin, royal representative (ša rēš šarri) and commissioner (bēl piqitti) of Eanna, and the oblates (širkū), bird catchers (ušandū), in charge of providing the temple with offering birds. The text establishes the bird catchers’ delivery obligations, iškaru. The bird catchers are divided into teams, namely Šamaš-iddin and Talīmu; Zēriya, Nanāya-ēreš, and Lāqīpu; Rēmūtu and Ina-ṣilli-Ištar; Iddināya, Ištar-ana-bītišu, and Arad-Ištar, to complete their duties (iškāru). Three witnesses and Pir’u/Eanna-šumu-ibni, the scribe.