Description:

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 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #110194

  • Condition: 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.

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September 24, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000