Foundation Cone of King Sin-Kashid of Uruk

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Foundation Cone of King Sin-Kashid of Uruk

Place of OriginIraq, Uruk (modern Warka)

Date18th century BCE

Dimensions2 1/4 × 1 1/2 in. (5.7 × 3.8 cm)

MediumClay

ClassificationUtilitarian Objects

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1916.66

Not on View

DescriptionTapered clay cone inscribed in Sumerian cuneiform with a royal inscription of Sin-kashid, King of Uruk. The text records the construction of a palace and the Eanna temple, dedicated to the goddess Inanna. These cones were typically embedded into the walls or foundations of buildings as votive offerings, meant to be read by the gods and later restorers. The inscription appears in horizontal lines covering the cone’s surface.

Label TextThis cuneiform foundation cone, inscribed in Sumerian, dates to the Early Old Babylonian period (ca. 1900 BCE) and originates from Uruk (modern Warka, Iraq). It bears a royal inscription of Sin-kashid, King of Uruk, stating: "When Sin-kashid, the powerful man, king of Uruk, king of Amnanum, provider of the Eanna, built the Eanna, then he (also) built his royal palace." Sin-kashid, an Amorite ruler, declared himself king of Uruk and leader of the Amnanum tribe, linking him politically to Babylon and Mari. This inscription commemorates his construction of the Eanna temple, a major religious site dedicated to Inanna, and his royal palace, asserting his legitimacy and architectural contributions. Foundation cones like this were placed in walls or under foundations as dedications to the gods and records for future rulers. Sin-kashid’s inscriptions appear on over 100 known objects, testifying to his extensive building program.Published ReferencesFrayne, Douglas R., Old Babylonian Period (2003-1595 BC), Royal Inscriptions of Mesopotamia Early Periods 4, University of Toronto Press, 1990, no. 04.01.04, ex. 030.

“RIME 4.04.01.04, Ex. 030 Artifact Entry.” (2012) 2023. Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative (CDLI). June 15, 2023. https://cdli.ucla.edu/P448045.