Cuneiform Foundation Cone dating to the Period of Gudea

Culture: Sumerian

Period: 2141-2122 B.C.

Material: Clay

Dimensions: 11.5 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6224

Provenance: American private collection Richard Wagner, acquired in the 1960s. Thence in another collection on the East Coast.

Condition: Intact, on the inscription some weathering.

Description: Foundation cone of light clay with a flat base on the broadside and a rounded tip on the opposite side. The inscription in 13 columns originating from Gudea, probably today the most famous ruler personality of the Mesopotamian history. As state-ruler of the Sumerian state Lagaš there are numerous inscriptions about him preserved on cylinders and cones. The text on the present foundation cone is a construction hymn, the translation reads: “Gudea, Ensi (state-ruler) of Lagaš, created magnificent, all fitting for Nin-gir-su (God), the fighter from Enlil, and built and renovated his E-ninnu (the temple of Nin-gir-su), the radiant Imdugud" (Sumerian description for Anzû, a creature of the Mesopotamian mythology, described as a lion-eagle).