Hurrian foundation pegs

The Urkish Lions: Ancient Guardians from Syria

The Hurrian foundation pegs, known as the Urkish lions, are a pair of fascinating copper artifacts crafted in the shape of lions. These ancient treasures are believed to have originated from the city of Urkesh in Syria. They were placed at the foundation of the temple of Nergal in Urkesh, as indicated by the cuneiform inscriptions on them. Dating back to the Akkadian period, approximately 2300 – 2159 BCE, they are the oldest known texts in the Hurrian language.

Where to Find Them

One of these lions, along with its accompanying limestone tablet, can be admired at the Musée du Louvre in Paris. The other lion resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. These lions were installed in the temple of Nergal during its construction to protect and preserve both the temple and the Hurrian prince of Urkesh, Tish-atal, who dedicated it.

Intricate Design

The upper part of these figurines showcases a snarling lion with outstretched forelegs, while the lower part tapers into a thick peg. The lions rest their paws on copper plaques adorned with cuneiform inscriptions. While it was common in Ancient Mesopotamia to use protective figures, the Urkish lions stand out for their unique role as foundation pegs.

Dimensions and Details

The lion at the Louvre measures 12.2 by 8.5 centimeters, with an attached plaque that is 8.5 centimeters wide. Although the inscription on the copper plaque is mostly erased, it confirms that it is a copy of the cuneiform text on the stone tablet. This tablet bears an inscription from Tish-atal, king of Urkesh, dedicating the temple to Nergal. The lion at the Metropolitan Museum is slightly smaller but also features cuneiform inscriptions, confirming its similarity to the Louvre lion.

Acquisition History

Both artifacts were acquired in 1948. The Louvre lion and tablet were obtained from a Parisian antiquities dealer, while the Met lion was purchased from a New York antiquities dealer using funds from the Joseph Pulitzer bequest. Unfortunately, due to the lack of archaeological records, the exact original setting of these artifacts remains unknown.

These ancient lions not only provide a glimpse into the rich history of Urkesh but also stand as a testament to the artistry and cultural practices of the time.