Mesopotamia, probable Sumeria, ca. 1800-600 BCE. This is a foundation cone/nail with cuneiform writing around the top. Prior to fragmentation, it most likely would have had a flat or pointed base and a wider or mushroom-shaped head. This object and ones similar would have been hammered into the upper parts of walls and the writing around the top would describe the ownership -- either kingly or godly -- of the building. The date of this piece comes from the shapes of the cuneiform glyphs on it. Size: 5-3/4"L x 2" diameter at widest.

Provenance: Ex-Pearson Collection, Denver, CO, ex-Arte Primitivo

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#110194

The cone is fragmentary, missing the flat bottom and the top; however, the writing around the top is still visible and clear where not broken off.