Statues of Gudea

Gudea is named in the dedicatory inscription carved on most statues, but in some cases the identity of the ruler portrayed is uncertain.

Statues A–K were found during Ernest de Sarzec's excavations in the court of the Hellenistic-era palace of Adad-nadin-ahhe (see Adadnadinakhe bricks) in Telloh (ancient Girsu).

Statues M–Q come from clandestine excavations in Telloh in 1924; the rest come from the art trade, with unknown provenances and sometimes of doubtful authenticity.

It seems that the early statues are small and made of more local stones (limestone, steatite and redstone); later, when wide-ranging trade-connections had been established, the more costly exotic diorite was used.

Q is dedicated to Ningiszida, Gudea's personal protective deity more properly connected to rand Abu Salabikh, the smaller M, N and O to his "wife" Gestinanna.