DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1118#0346
696
METICULOUS METHODS OF CONTROL
Contrast
with
earlier
forms of
clay docu-
ments.
As restored, the inscription would read as follows :
fCAHlABBlfUOflBWI
The documents of the Hieroglyphic Class had been for the most part
perforated bars or clay ' labels', and the tablet-shape proper is of rare occur-
rence. Solitary specimens from Knossos and Phaestos show a rectangular
outline of greater width than height.1 Among those presenting the linear
Script A the tablet-form is general; sometimes, as Fig. 047, p. 660, above,
practically square in shape, but usually oblong, of greater height than width,
and with the edges slightly rounded. This type, often on a considerably
larger scale, is followed in the last described Knossian class. Some of the
tablets—as is shown below2—were extraordinarily small.
Elaborate
business
methods.
Docket-
ing of in-
ventories
on edge
of tablet.
Business Methods and Meticulous Arrangement of the Records.
Another interesting document, in which the ' banner '-sign is repeated
(Fig. 682), gives an excellent idea of the business-like methods of the scribes
who drew up these inventories. It is rapidly written, in a style that shows
great practice and character, the secondary details being inserted in signs
and numbers so microscopic that in the original they are best seen through
a magnifying glass. Some idea of these niceties may be gathered from my
own transcript (Fig. 682), which, however, is somewhat enlarged. No clear
evidence of the subject of the inscription is forthcoming, but the ' saffron'
sign is contained in the group ^ *? f of line 2, while, in another, near the end
of the same line, we recognize the ' superintendent' sign in a similar position.
Here, again, a summary account of the contents of the document is
inserted on the edge of the tablet (Fig. 682, b). This docketing on the edge
itself suggests that in these cases the documents had been packed together
like books on a shelf.
It is touches like the above that best illustrate the highly methodical
administrative methods in vogue throughout the closing period of the Great
Palace. It is of a piece with the precautionary details such as have been
already exemplified, not only by the securing of documents or packages
of value by means of clay sealings impressed by official signets, but by the
1 See Scripta Mima, i, p. 179, P. 120 and 4-4 cm. (if in.) high. None were discovered
121. One from Knossos is about 7 cm. (2-| in.) at Malha.
wide by 4-8 cm. (if in.) high. The other, from - See p. 709, Fig. G92.
Phaestos, is about 8-5 cm. (3I in.) wide and
METICULOUS METHODS OF CONTROL
Contrast
with
earlier
forms of
clay docu-
ments.
As restored, the inscription would read as follows :
fCAHlABBlfUOflBWI
The documents of the Hieroglyphic Class had been for the most part
perforated bars or clay ' labels', and the tablet-shape proper is of rare occur-
rence. Solitary specimens from Knossos and Phaestos show a rectangular
outline of greater width than height.1 Among those presenting the linear
Script A the tablet-form is general; sometimes, as Fig. 047, p. 660, above,
practically square in shape, but usually oblong, of greater height than width,
and with the edges slightly rounded. This type, often on a considerably
larger scale, is followed in the last described Knossian class. Some of the
tablets—as is shown below2—were extraordinarily small.
Elaborate
business
methods.
Docket-
ing of in-
ventories
on edge
of tablet.
Business Methods and Meticulous Arrangement of the Records.
Another interesting document, in which the ' banner '-sign is repeated
(Fig. 682), gives an excellent idea of the business-like methods of the scribes
who drew up these inventories. It is rapidly written, in a style that shows
great practice and character, the secondary details being inserted in signs
and numbers so microscopic that in the original they are best seen through
a magnifying glass. Some idea of these niceties may be gathered from my
own transcript (Fig. 682), which, however, is somewhat enlarged. No clear
evidence of the subject of the inscription is forthcoming, but the ' saffron'
sign is contained in the group ^ *? f of line 2, while, in another, near the end
of the same line, we recognize the ' superintendent' sign in a similar position.
Here, again, a summary account of the contents of the document is
inserted on the edge of the tablet (Fig. 682, b). This docketing on the edge
itself suggests that in these cases the documents had been packed together
like books on a shelf.
It is touches like the above that best illustrate the highly methodical
administrative methods in vogue throughout the closing period of the Great
Palace. It is of a piece with the precautionary details such as have been
already exemplified, not only by the securing of documents or packages
of value by means of clay sealings impressed by official signets, but by the
1 See Scripta Mima, i, p. 179, P. 120 and 4-4 cm. (if in.) high. None were discovered
121. One from Knossos is about 7 cm. (2-| in.) at Malha.
wide by 4-8 cm. (if in.) high. The other, from - See p. 709, Fig. G92.
Phaestos, is about 8-5 cm. (3I in.) wide and