Last Updated on April 3, 2025 by Iain S

Ea Nasir: The First Recorded Customer Complaint

Ea Nasir, or Ea-Nasir,  was a merchant in ancient Mesopotamia, known for selling copper ingots around 1750 BCE.

He became infamous due to a complaint letter from a dissatisfied customer, which is now one of the oldest examples of written customer feedback.

The letter accuses Ea Nasir of delivering subpar copper and poor service, making him an unexpected symbol of bad business practices.

Yes, folks, even in ancient times, customer complaints were a thing. Today, we’re bringing this hilariously relatable scenario to life with our latest design.

A Peek Into Ancient Trade

The story of Ea Nasir and Nanni is derived from an actual clay tablet discovered in the ruins of the city of Ur, now modern-day Iraq.

This tablet, dating back to around 1750 BCE, is a complaint from a customer named Nanni to a merchant named Ea Nasir regarding the quality of copper delivered.

The tablet is a fascinating glimpse into the business practices and customer-merchant relationships of ancient Mesopotamia.

Now, before we get into the nitty-gritty of this historical LOL moment, let’s set the scene.

Ea Nasir, known in the Sumerian city of Ur, was a merchant dealing in the finest copper ingots.

Little did he know, his venture into the copper trade would earn him fame millennia later, not for his entrepreneurial spirit, but for receiving what is arguably the first recorded customer complaint.

What’s the Complaint About?

The tablet isn’t just a historic artifact; it’s a window into the business transactions of the past. Ea Nasir was in the business of selling copper, and he’d gone to Dilmun to procure his wares.

On this particular occasion, he sold copper ingots to a customer named Nanni. Nanni, unhappy with the quality of the copper, believed it to be sub-standard and refused to accept it.

Nanni’s complaint didn’t just stop at the quality of copper. He also mentioned that his servant, who was sent with the payment for the transaction, was treated rudely.

So, he did what any disgruntled customer would do: he inscribed a letter in Akkadian cuneiform detailing his grievances regarding the copper’s quality and the poor treatment of his servant.

A Design That Bridges Millennia

Fast forward to today, and our design features Ea Nasir in a way you’ve never seen him before, tablet (iPad!) in hand, eyebrows raised as he reads Nanni’s fiery words.

The contrast of ancient Mesopotamian attire with modern technology, all encapsulated in this whimsical artwork, is sure to catch the eye and spark joy.

This design isn’t just a piece of art; it’s a conversation starter.

Wear History with Pride

Imagine wearing this on a tee, carrying it on a tote, or even sipping your morning coffee from a mug adorned with Ea Nasir’s bewildered face.

It’s perfect for historians, tech enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a good chuckle at the timeless nature of customer service woes.

But why stop at just imagining? Head over to our GloxxiDesign Tostadora shop and make this unique piece yours.

Whether you’re attending a history lecture, a tech conference, or just lounging at home, this design is guaranteed to bring a smile to faces.

A Timeless Reminder

Plus, it’s a gentle reminder that, no matter the era, customer feedback is as old as time itself – some things never change!

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the delightful blend of history and humor with our Ea Nasir design.

Let’s face it, we’ve all been a Nanni at some point. Now it’s time to wear that badge with pride (and a bit of irony).

Shop now and bring a piece of ancient history into your modern life – Ea Nasir and his iPad await your patronage!

In the end, whether you’re a history buff, a tech geek, or simply someone who loves a good laugh, this design from GloxxiDesign is a must-have.

It’s more than just a piece of clothing or an accessory; it’s a way to connect with the past, chuckle at the present, and maybe, just maybe, prepare ourselves for the future of customer service.

The Tablet’s Journey

The tablet was unearthed during a joint expedition by the University of Pennsylvania and the British Museum led by Sir Leonard Woolley between 1922 and 1934.

They found it in what might have been Ea Nasir’s own house.

It’s fascinating to think that this piece of correspondence has traveled through time to tell us about the business practices and customer service standards of ancient Mesopotamia.

Translation and Legacy

Several scholars have translated the tablet over the years, each bringing a bit more clarity to the woes of Nanni.

The translations reveal not only the specifics of the complaint but also the fact that customer dissatisfaction is a tale as old as time.

Interestingly, the tablet and Ea Nasir have gained a certain level of fame on the internet, becoming a meme that underscores the universal and timeless nature of customer service complaints.

Forbes even noted its resemblance to modern complaints, proving that some aspects of human nature haven’t changed much over millennia.

Conclusion

The complaint tablet to Ea Nasiroffers a unique glimpse into the past, reminding us that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Whether it’s 1750 BCE or the 21st century, customers have always wanted quality products and respectful service.

And if something goes wrong, they’ll definitely let you know, maybe not on a clay tablet, but the sentiment remains.

Because if Ea Nasir could handle a complaint like a pro, so can we.

And for much more GloxxiDesign stuff, where art meets humor.

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