Gudea

In style this figure is more boldly executed than the earlier statuette of Gudea seen in Fig. 39, B.

The inscription informs us that this vase was dedicated to the god Nin-gish-zi-da by Gudea for the prolongation of his life.

Without doubt this is the real explanation of the devotional attitude displayed by Gudea in his statues.

Of all its energetic and capable patesis, the most celebrated was Gudea, who reigned sometime before 2400 B.C.

We may thus assume that the god's words, as words, were equally intelligible to Gudea.