Conical foundation cone fragment with broad domed top, columns of cuneiform text to the shank. Temple nails or cones were placed in the foundations of newly-built temples. Their form imitates nails or pegs and they bear inscriptions stating the name of the reigning king and reign year, and the god(s) to whom the temple was dedicated. Inscribed: 'For Ningirsu, mighty warrior of Enli, Gudea, governor of Lagash, produced everything needed and built and restored Eninnu, Ningirsu's shining Indugu-bird'. Comes with translation and dating by Professor W.G. Lambert of the Birmingham University, England. Size: 9.5 cm D - 3 11/16 inches and 8.4 cm L - 3 5/16 inches without stand Material: Terracotta Culture: Mesopotamian, c. 1st Millennium B.C. Condition: Tip broken, otherwise no text missing Display stand included Provenance: Acquired in London in 1995.European private collection. Literature: Cf. similar item in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession no.45.90, for type.› The seller guarantees that this item has been legally acquired & will be legally exported, related documents seen by Catawiki. This item do not need an export licence within the EU. The seller will inform the buyer if it needs a UK export licence outside the EU Worldwide shipping by Registered Mail. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity N.B. Import duties may be incurred on orders shipped to countries outside the UK.