Sumerian Foundation Cone

Culture: Mesopotamia

Period: 2144-2124 B.C.

Material: Clay

Dimensions: 11.3 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6080

Provenance: British family collection Rihani.

Condition: Intact

Description: Sumerian foundation cone of light clay by Gudea, the ruler over Lagash. Gudea dedicates to Lagash’s main god Ningirsu the construction of a temple in honour of the Babylonian Godfather Enlil. The temple was decorated with a depiction of Anzu, the lion headed eagle. The inscription with ten lines reads: Nin-gir-su…Ur-sag kalag-ga...En-lil-la-ra...Gu-de-a…Ensi…Lagas-ke…Ni-ul-e pa mu-na-e…e-ninnu Anzud babbar-ra-ni…mu-na-du…ki-be mu-na-gi… TRANSLATION: "For Ningirsu, the strong fighter of Enlil, Gudea, the ruler over Lagash has built what will last forever. He built (the temple) E-ninnu with the double-headed eagle Anzu. Extremely brilliant and put him back at his place."