Fragment with bird oracles probably performed by the ‘[Chief of] the Augurs’ (kola 10, 22), although the title remains fragmentary. Alternatively, we might also consider that the oracles were performed by a group of augurs (see note n. 1).

• J. Tischler, DBH 52, 2019: 92f.
• Y. Sakuma, Diss., 2009: II 360-363

Handcopy: A. Archi (KUB 49, Archi A. 1979e).

Edition: Sakuma Y. 2009b, II 360-363.

Transliteration: Tischler J. 2019b, 92-93.

A fragment from the central portion of a text column, preserving parts of four paragraphs (two of which are fairly readable).

LNS (jh.); diagnostic signs: KI (LNS); E, ḪAR, TAR (NS).

In §3', we observe an unusual formulation used in the augural response (kolon 23). Instead of the standard formula arḫa=wa peššer (“it was confirmed”), we find the expression “it was unfavorable” used for this ‘negative’ outcome. The signs SIG₅ and NU.SIG₅, replacing the traditional augural formulary in the reports, appear in only a handful of oracles (besides the present text, see KBo 58.83 I 11', KUB 49.30 rev. 22, KUB 18.3 rev. 13'; see Sakuma Y. 2009b, I 65). Although rare in oracle reports, the terms ‘favorable’ or ‘unfavorable’ are occasionally used in reference to birds and the outcomes of bird oracles in other text types (e.g. the letter HKM 48 =CTH 188.2).