Urnanshe (King of Lagash)
Relief
Tello, formerly Girsu
Around 2500 BC
Limestone
H 0.40 m; W 0.47 m
AO 2344
Description
"Founder of the dynasty which reigned for nearly two centuries
over Lagash, King Urnanshe liked to commemorate his constructions.
He had himself portrayed as a simple bricklayer, carrying the brick
basket in front of his family, then seated at table. He wears the
fur skirt -the so-called "kaunakès"- with its
traditional, angular tongue-shaped hangings. The inscription names
each member of his family, then lists the main temples built under
his supervision."
- Louvre