Details
Description
Neo-Sumerian Cuneiform Clay Foundation Cone.
Creator: Ancient Sumerian Artisans / Commissioned by Gudea of Lagash.
Deity/Subject: Dedication to the God …
Read more
Neo-Sumerian Cuneiform Clay Foundation Cone.
Creator: Ancient Sumerian Artisans / Commissioned by Gudea of Lagash.
Deity/Subject: Dedication to the God Ningirsu and the Eninnu Temple.
Period: Neo-Sumerian Period (c. 2144–2122 BCE).
Origin: Southern Mesopotamia (Ancient Lagash).
Materials: Terracotta, Clay.
An extraordinary, museum-grade piece of ancient history. This authentic terracotta foundation cone (also known as a foundation nail) dates to the Neo-Sumerian Renaissance, circa 2144–2122 BCE.
This artifact features an exceptionally crisp, beautifully preserved 10-line cuneiform inscription written in the ancient Sumerian language. Commissioned by Gudea, the famous Ensi (ruler) of the city-state of Lagash, this ritual cone was pressed, inscribed, and fired to be embedded into the mud-brick walls of the Eninnu Temple. The text serves as an eternal declaration of piety to the warrior storm god, Ningirsu.
Measures: 2.25 D x 5 H inches.
Approx. weight: 5.6 ounces.
Inscription translation:
"For Ningirsu, the mighty warrior of Enlil, Gudea, the governor of Lagash, brought forth what is appropriate. His Eninnu temple, the 'Brilliant Flash of the Anzu-Bird', he built for him, and restored it to its proper place."
Note: A wonderfully preserved flared head, tapering silhouette, and rich, earthy terracotta coloration, this piece offers an incredible tactile connection to the dawn of written civilization. A striking conversational centerpiece for the discerning collector of antiquities, archaeology, and ancient art.
See less
- Dimensions
- 2.25ʺW × 2.25ʺD × 5ʺH
- Styles
- Asian
- Art Subjects
- Architecture
- Period
- 15th Century & Earlier
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Clay
- Condition
- Good Condition, Original Condition Unaltered, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Brown
- Condition Notes
- Excellent antique condition. Expect normal age-related surface wear, minor mineral deposits, and firing variations inherent to hand-molded clay artifacts from … moreExcellent antique condition. Expect normal age-related surface wear, minor mineral deposits, and firing variations inherent to hand-molded clay artifacts from this era, slight loss/roughness at underside of nailhead edge. The cuneiform script remains remarkably complete, sharp and legible. less
Questions about the item?
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Cancellation Policy - Prior to shipping or local pickup, buyers may cancel an order for up to 48 hours, unless otherwise specified.
Related Collections
- Straw Sculpture
- Constantin Brancusi Sculpture
- Louis XIV Sculpture
- Fernando Botero Sculpture
- Roman Bronze Works Sculpture
- Recycled/Repurposed Sculpture
- Worlds Away Sculpture
- Flavio Poli Sculpture
- Far Pavilions Sculpture
- Bentwood Sculpture
- Georgian Sculpture
- Bakelite Sculpture
- Medium-Density Fibreboard Sculpture
- Gold-Plate Sculpture
- Antique Iron Finish Sculpture
- Photography Sculpture
- Magenta Sculpture
- Maison Jansen Sculpture
- Sculpture in Columbus
- Polished Brass Finish Sculpture
- Sculpture in Panama City, FL
- Geode Sculpture
- René Lalique Sculpture
- Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse Sculpture
- Barovier and Toso Sculpture