KNH–1320

According to the JNES publication, the dating of the object based on its archaeological context does not coincide with the use of the divine element SRM nor the use of KDNŠ in Lemaire's reading, which is "to Sarmakaddanis" (pp. 221, 230, 232). Thus the editors decide, "In place of a personal name, we suggest that SRM names a deity identified by his—hitherto unknown—attribute KDNŠ, a regional cult-place administered by the kingdom of Hiyawa under the Muksas dynasty" (231). Lemaire overlooked the obvious word divider between K and D as well as the obvious space (word break) between the letters. As for the second letter, it certainly does resemble S, though S is more often written as 𐤎, a t-shape with crossing strokes. Instead, one could read Ṣ, though admittedly, it would be reversed (𐤑). M is probable with an extra articulatory stroke, but this is unlikely. S is the best reading. As for the meaning of the words SRMK and DNŠ, I have no good solution, though a Sarme- name is likely. Compare Sanda-sarme during the reign of Aššurbanipal in PNAE 3/1 p. 1088 (Moore).