The city-state of Lagash produced a remarkable number of statues of its kings as well as Sumerian literary hymns and prayers under the rule of Gudea (c. 2150-2125 BCE) and his son Ur-Ningirsu (c. 2125-2100 BCE). This sculpture belongs to a series of diorite statues commissioned by Gudea, who devoted his energies to rebuilding the great temples of Lagash and installing statues of himself in them. Many inscribed with his name and divine dedications survive. Here, Gudea is depicted in the seated pose of a ruler before his subjects, his hands folded in a traditional gesture of prayer. The Sumerian inscription on his robe lists the various temples that he built or renovated in Lagash and names the statue: 'Gudea, the man who built the temple; may his life be long'.