Foundation Figurine
Sumerian; Ancient Near Eastern
1 of 3
Object Label
Here, the head and torso of a male figure with clasped hands tops a pointed peg. Such figures, pounded into the ground near the foundations of important buildings, were believed to provide magical protection.
Caption
Sumerian; Ancient Near Eastern. Foundation Figurine, ca. 2900 B.C.E.–2500 B.C.E.. Copper alloy, 5 11/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 in. (14.5 x 5 x 2.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Roebling Society, 81.7. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)
Gallery
Not on view
Gallery
Not on view
Cultures
Title
Foundation Figurine
Date
ca. 2900 B.C.E.–2500 B.C.E.
Period
Early Dynastic II Period
Geography
Place made: Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq, Turkey, & Syria)
Medium
Copper alloy
Classification
Dimensions
5 11/16 x 1 15/16 x 1 in. (14.5 x 5 x 2.5 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of The Roebling Society
Accession Number
81.7
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