---
title: Mesopotamian Foundation Figurines
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8181/mesopotamian-foundation-figurines/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-08-26
---

# Mesopotamian Foundation Figurines

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

## Image File

[![Mesopotamian Foundation Figurines](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8181.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/8181.jpg)

## Image Caption

Certain types of figurines were commonly placed within foundations of buildings during the third dynasty of [Ur](https://www.worldhistory.org/ur/) (2100-2000 BCE) of the Neo-[Sumerian](https://www.worldhistory.org/Sumerians/) Period, to commemorate the building of temples by the ruler. These three peg-shaped [copper](https://www.worldhistory.org/copper/) alloy figurines represent kings. Each figure carries a basket on his head and there are lines of [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) inscription on the body. Usually, such figures were buried with foundation stone tablets describing the building process. These three figurines are displayed in one case at the British Museum. From left to right: 
1\. Foundation figurine of [Ur-Nammu](https://www.worldhistory.org/Ur-Nammu/), reigned 2112-2095 BCE. This came from the [Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Inanna](https://www.worldhistory.org/Inanna/) at [Uruk](https://www.worldhistory.org/uruk/). 
2\. Foundation Figurine of Shulgi (son of Ur-Nammu), reigned 2094-2047 BCE. From the Temple of Dimtabba at Ur. 
3\. Foundation figurine of Shu-Sin (son of Shulgi), reigned 2037-2029 BCE. From the Temple of Inanna at Girsu. 
 
From Southern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), modern-day 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. (2018, February 28). Mesopotamian Foundation Figurines. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8181/mesopotamian-foundation-figurines/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Mesopotamian Foundation Figurines." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 28, 2018. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8181/mesopotamian-foundation-figurines/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Mesopotamian Foundation Figurines." *World History Encyclopedia*, 28 Feb 2018, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8181/mesopotamian-foundation-figurines/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 28 February 2018. 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.