---
title: Copper alloy foundation figurines with pegs representing Gods
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2451/copper-alloy-foundation-figurines-with-pegs-repres/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Copper alloy foundation figurines with pegs representing Gods

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Copper alloy foundation figurines with pegs representing Gods](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2451.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2451.jpg)

## Image Caption

Each peg has a very faint [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) inscription of Gudea, the ruler of the [city-state](https://www.worldhistory.org/Polis/) of Lagash. Foundation pegs were buried in the foundation of buildings to magically protect them and preserve the builder's name for posterity. In this case, the peg is supported by a [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) ([Mesopotamian gods](https://www.worldhistory.org/collection/196/mesopotamian-gods/) are usually depicted wearing horned headdresses). Kingdom of Lagash, c. 2130 BCE. Possibly from Tello (ancient Girsu), [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of Ningirsu, southern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), Iraq. (The British Museum, London)

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2014, March 31). Copper alloy foundation figurines with pegs representing Gods. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2451/copper-alloy-foundation-figurines-with-pegs-repres/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Copper alloy foundation figurines with pegs representing Gods." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 31, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2451/copper-alloy-foundation-figurines-with-pegs-repres/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Copper alloy foundation figurines with pegs representing Gods." *World History Encyclopedia*, 31 Mar 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2451/copper-alloy-foundation-figurines-with-pegs-repres/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 31 March 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.