A Sumerian Gypsum Figure of a Worshipper, Early Dynastic Period, circa 2700-2500 B.C.

standing with his fragmentary arms held before him in an attitude of prayer, and wearing a long kilt with striated lower section and cylindrical belt with tassel behind, the face with chevron-grooved beard, large eyes recessed for inlay, and finely incised eyebrows meeting at the bridge of the large aquiline nose, the centrally parted hair arranged in elaborate chevron-grooved plaits.

The Erlenmeyer Foundation, acquired in the 1950s (Sotheby's, London, June 12th, 1997, no. 144, illus.)

Christie's, New York, June 12th, 2002, no. 309, illus.
Hôtel Drouot, Paris, Arts d'Orient, June 1st, 2007, no. 74, illus.

Feet and base missing as shown, head, nose, proper right shoulder, proper right upper arm, and lower part of skirt in front repaired, note areas of extensive losses in front, some restored in cement, back encrusted in areas
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

For a related figure from the Square Temple at Tell Asmar see H. Frankfort, Sculpture of the Third Millennium B.C. from Tell Asmar and Khafajah (Oriental Institute Publications, vol. XLIV), Chicago, 1939, p. 56, no. 4, pls. 9-10, 12B,E,, and 13E.