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7.7.2 Persons
Texts concerning runaway or misappropriated slaves speak of their
hire,^149 indicating that slaves could be hired out, probably accord-
ing to a standard rate.7.7.3 Services
7.7.3.1 Wet nurse
Women identified with the title “wet nurse” (mu“èniqtu), appear in
lists of temple disbursements. As in earlier periods, their services were
probably available for hire.7.7.3.2 Herds
Flocks of small cattle could be hired out. The herdsman assumed
responsibility for the herd in exchange for a portion of wool,
meat, and other animal products.^1507.8 Partnership
Partnerships were formed both for agricultural and non-agricultural
undertakings. According to one text, two men “came together with
a priest for partnership” (itti a¢ami“ ana “utapùti illikù),^151 and they
received two cows from him and (in exchange) cultivated his field.
When one—perhaps both?—cows died, the two partners negotiate
who will replace the property of the priest. The text records a set-
tlement conducted in private without a hearing, indicating that the
responsibilities and liabilities for such partnerships were commonly
understood. Another text documents that a man registered to his
partner an amount of grain for brewing.^1527.9 Deposit
A settlement document records a dispute over grain deposited for
storage (see 7.2.1 above).(^149) TuM 5 67 (= Petschow MB Rechtsurkunden 10): ße¢ra u idàtì“u “a i“tu ùm
halqu, and TuM 5 69 (= Petschow MB Rechtsurkunden 13): amìlùta u idàtì“a “a ùmi
na“û.
(^150) E.g., BE 14 48.
(^151) UET 7 4.
(^152) TuM 5 21 (= Petschow MB Rechtsurkunden 41).
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