Mesopotamian Bronze foundation figure carrying a basket, Circa 2000 BC
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In ancient Mesopotamia sacred and commemorative materials used to be introduced both in the foundations and in the walls of the constructions, as it can be the case of the cones with inscriptions that were placed in the great buildings or the cones or nails with diverse forms. This type of nails used to be represented in the shape of a deity or as in this case what is believed to be a representation of the king who is about to build this building, as a magical way to protect and secure this construction. The magic of this piece lies in its good conservation and the permanence of its original patina, as well as its sinuous forms.
The Metropolitan Museum of New York keeps very similar pieces, both stylistically and by period:
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/324831
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/329067
