A round peg in a square hole?: the Sikkatu in Old Babylonian Susa

A unique legal practice involving the symbolic driving of wooden pegs, known as sikkatu, into real estate was identified in Old Babylonian contracts from Susa. Unlike other Mesopotamian uses where such pegs marked public ownership, these were employed hypothecary pledges to secure loans or sales, ensuring reimbursement if a third party claimed the property. The study reveals that while the physical presence of the peg was not crucial, its symbolic act—recorded in contracts—was pivotal for legal permanence. This finding sheds light on ancient financial and property transaction mechanisms, with some texts detailing pledge transmission upon forfeiture.

Oers, L. (2010). A round peg in a square hole?: the Sikkatu in Old Babylonian Susa. Akkadica, 131(2). https://doi.org/10.21825/akkadica.99602