C. 2144-2124 BC

An interesting Sumerian clay cuneiform cone/nail, with a typical mushroom-shaped head, and cone body inscribed with ten vertical lines of cuneiform script.

During the construction of temples and important public buildings, these inscribed cuneiform cones/nails, would have been either built into the walls or buried under the foundations of these buildings, to sanctify the site, in order to create a historical memory of the ruler and his achievements. These were later to be found during restorations.

Although tip is missing, it has finely carved inscription.

Ref: Similar example on the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Accession Number: 45.90.

Provenance: Deceased estate. Collection was put together from the 1970’s onwards.

Size: 100mm height