Statue of Gudea

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During the third millennium BC, many sculptures were placed in temples and shrines in Mesopotamia to symbolize an individual's presence before a deity. The most renowned dedicatory sculptures are those made for Gudea, king of Lagash, who ruled around 2150 BC. These statues portray the king as a devoted worshipper and a loyal agent of his god. Although this statue is not inscribed, its style and workmanship match other sculptures of Gudea discovered in the city of Girsu near Lagash. Inscriptions detail Gudea's extensive temple construction and his production of sculptures, from obtaining stone to final installation in temples. Gudea records that he brought stone from Magan, probably modern Oman, because he preferred diorite, a hard dark stone more resistant to damage. Stone from distant lands would convey an impression of success and authority as well as religious devotion. A high level of skill was required to work such hard stone and create sculptures of this size. The reverential pose with hands clasped in front of the body and the garment draped across one shoulder continues the tradition of votive statues from earlier periods in Mesopotamia.