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Clay cone or nail
Near Eastern, Mesopotamian, Sumerian
Neo-Sumerian Period
2144–2004 B.C.
Object Place: Sumer, Lagash (Tello), Ur-Bau
Medium/Technique
Pottery
Dimensions
Overall: 1.8 cm (11/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Misses Amy and Clara Curtis
Accession Number21.1353
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsArchitectural elements – Foundation deposits
DescriptionFoundation deposit in the shape of cone/nail made of clay with inscription in Sumerian: "For Ningirsu (a god) the warrior/hero of Enlil (a god), Ur-Bau, ruler (or governor) of Lagash, the child born by Ningal (a goddess), the guide to the pleasant habitation, the Eninnu (Temple of Ningirsu in Lagash) of the shining Imdugud-bird, he built, he restored it to its place." Formal temple dedication.
Provenance1921, gift of Amy and Clara Curtis, Manchester, MA and Santa Barbara, to the MFA. (Accession Date: July 7, 1921)