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Spear of Lugal

Spear of Lugal is a bronze spear dating to around 2600 BCE, from the time of the Sumerian civilization in southern Mesopotamia, in the region of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in present-day Iraq. It belongs to the Early Dynastic Period, an archaeological phase of Mesopotamian history spanning roughly from 3000 BCE to 2334 BCE. The spear was found in a sanctuary at ancient Girsu, a Sumerian city located at present-day Telloh in Dhi Qar, Iraq, about 25 kilometers northwest of Lagash. The site name is also rendered Ngirsu, Girsu, or Jirsu.

Spear of Lugal with a leaf-shaped metal blade, engraved animal motif, and perforated tang on a dark background.
The Spear of Lugal shown as a leaf-shaped metal artifact with a stylized engraved animal figure.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0 fr
The Spear of Lugal, a tarnished metal artifact with an engraved feline figure and three holes in the handle.
The Spear of Lugal on display, showing a mottled green-brown patina and an engraved feline motif on the blade.
© · Public domain
The Spear of Lugal, a weathered dark metal blade with a perforated tang and engraved animal figure against a black background.
The Spear of Lugal is shown as a corroded metal artifact with engraved decoration on a plain black background.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0 fr
Spear of Lugal with an incised roaring cat-like figure on a corroded dark metal surface.
The Spear of Lugal shows a carved feline figure etched into the worn metal surface.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0 fr
Spear of Lugal with an oxidized metal surface and a white line drawing of a feline creature etched on it.
The Spear of Lugal shown in close-up, with an etched feline figure visible on its dark oxidized surface.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0 fr

Identification

TitleSpear of Lugal
TypeVotive spear

Historical context

Datec. 2600 BC
Cultural contextSumerian civilization
Historical periodArchaic Dynastic period
Period date rangec. 3000–2334 BC
Historical regionAncient Sumer
Geographic contextSouthern Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq

Creator

DiscoveryDiscovered by Ernest de Sarzec in the second half of the 19th century

Discovery and provenance

Inventory numberAO 2675
AcquisitionGiven to the Louvre with the permission of Sultan Abdülhamid
DedicationOffered as a votive object to a ruler or king of Kish
Modern origin siteTel Telloh, Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq
OriginA sanctuary in ancient Girsu, near Lagash, about 25 kilometers northeast of Lagash

Physical characteristics

Object descriptionA unique piece

Materials

MaterialBronze; copper

Appearance

DecorationA lion figure engraved on the blade
InscriptionPartially preserved inscription reading "Lugal... king of Kish"

Location and ownership

Current locationDepartment of Oriental Antiquities, Louvre Museum
Display locationGround floor of the Richelieu Wing, room 236

Other

Transcription noteBecause of the initial velar nasal, Ĝirsu is usually transcribed as Ngirsu to avoid confusion
Alternative transcriptionsG̃irsu; Girsu; Jirsu