The Vase of Entemena is a tripod type silver vase and was named after Entemena, the ruler of Lagash.[1]
| Vase of Entemena | |
|---|---|
 Vase of Entemena in the Louvre | |
| Material | Silver |
| Created | c. 2400 BC |
| Discovered | 1888 Dhi Qar, Iraq |
| Discovered by | Ernest Sarzec |
Discovery
The vase was recovered in Telloh in 1888 at the site of ancient Shirpurla by Ernest de Sarzec.[2] It was donated to the Louvre by Sultan Abdul Hamid II in 1896 and was thought to be one of the oldest surviving examples of engraving on metal.[3][4]
Dating
This vase is believed to date back to c. 2400 BCE.[5] The vase is believed to be dedicated to the war god Ningirsu.[6]
Depictions
The legs of the vase are made of copper.[7] On the surface of the vase lightly engraved, is an image of Anzud the lion-headed eagle, grasping two lions with his talons.
Reception
In 1910, Leonard William King described this vase as "the finest example of Sumerian metal work yet recovered."[8]