Cuneiform Foundation Cone dating to the Period of Gudea

Culture: Sumerian

Period: 2141-2122 B.C.

Material: Clay

Dimensions: 12.5 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6356

Provenance: Gallery Puhze, Freiburg, Germany. From there acquired by Peter Hollander (1931-2014) on 15 March 2000. With original invoice and extensive description.

Condition: Intact

Description: Foundation cone of light clay with a flat base on the broadside and a rounded tip on the opposite side. The inscription in 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: “For Nin-gir-su, the strong fighter from Enlil, Gudea, the state-ruler of Lagaš, executed what will remain forever. He 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)”.