The text consists of three fragmentary bird oracle reports. In the best-preserved one (§2), the name of the augur, Uraddu, also survives. The introductory section of this oracle lists a series of actions and ritual performances involving the king, and mentions several other individuals, such as the queen, ritual performers (the player of the ‘great Inanna arp’), personnel like ‘the augur’ and the ‘Chief of the palace clerks’, and a person “sent to Arinna.” Presumably, the oracular question pertains to the correctness of the described rites, particularly with regard to a ‘ritual (in accord) with the wish [of the qu]een’ (obv. 12´). Marizza M. 2006a, 156-157, considered a similar context for this oracle, namely that it aimed to confirm the divine approval of modifications or expansions of certain religious ceremonies.

The oracle’s response is ‘favorable’ (rev. 22´); however, since we lack the formulation of the question, it cannot be determined whether the oracle result ‘confirms’ something positive or negative for the king – both options are possible.

Some of the content of the question is repeated in the subsequent report (rev. 23′-25′), less preserved. It is likely that this new question introduces some minor variation intended to narrow down the scope of the inquiry on the same matter.

• Y. Sakuma, Diss., 2009: II 148-152

Handcopy: A. Walther (KUB 16, Walther A. 1926a).

Edition: Sakuma Y. 2009b, II 148-152 (lines 1´-22´).

Fragment of a (most likely) one-column tablet, as the text continues over the lower edge onto the reverse. It thus contains the central part of the composition.

NS (jh.); diagnostic signs: E, IK, IT, LI, MAḪ, TAR (in rev. 20´, but cf. the old form in e.g. lo. e. 14´, rev. 19´).

Uraddu is probably the same augur mentioned in another bird oracle, KUB 22.30 (=CTH 573.80) obv. 10´ (fragmentary).