KUDURRU Meaning and
Definition
-
A kudurru is an ancient Akkadian term used to describe a type of stone monument created during the late second millennium BCE. These artifacts are typically cylindrical in shape and were most commonly produced in the region of Mesopotamia, which spans modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Iran. Kudurrus were often used as boundary stones or legal documents, serving as a means of marking territorial boundaries and recording land grants made by kings and other high-ranking rulers.
The kudurru typically features a series of inscriptions, carved in cuneiform script, that detail the terms of the land grant or document the boundaries being established. These inscriptions are accompanied by intricate depictions or symbols that represent various deities, rulers, or mythological scenes. The imagery on a kudurru is meant to legitimize the agreement and invoke divine protection over the land or owner.
Due to their historical significance and unique artistic qualities, kudurrus are highly valuable archaeological artifacts and can provide valuable insights into the cultural and political context of the time in which they were created. Their intricate engravings and inscriptions have helped researchers to better understand ancient Mesopotamian religious beliefs, legal systems, and social structures. As a result, kudurrus serve as important primary sources for the study of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.
Etymology of KUDURRU
The word "kudurru" originates from the Akkadian language, an ancient Mesopotamian language spoken in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) during the 3rd millennium BCE to the 1st century CE.
In Akkadian, the term "kudurru" (also spelled kudurru or kudurrušu) means "boundary" or "border". It refers to a type of stone document used as a boundary stone or a legal decree. The term is derived from the Akkadian root word "kudur", which means "to establish", "to decree", or "to bind".
Kudurru stones were often used by rulers in ancient Mesopotamia as a way of recording significant land grants, legal agreements, or other important transactions.
