Fragment of a Large Cuneiform Foundation Cone from the Period of Gudea

Culture: Sumerian

Period: 2141-2122 B.C.

Material: Clay

Dimensions: 9 cm x 9.5 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 6267

Provenance: Private collection Achim Klett, Bavaria, acquired 1975. Since then in a family estate. Accompanied by a photograph depicting the collection and a handwritten provenance confirmation.

Condition: Fragment, the shaft with some losses.

Description: Fragment of a large Sumerian foundation cone of light clay. The inscription arranged in columns originating from Gudea, today possibly the most well-known ruling personality of the Mesopotamian history. As the state-ruler of the Sumerian state Lagaš there are numerous inscriptions of 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 suitable for Nin-gir-su (God), the fighter of 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).