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Near Eastern Art :
Babylonian Art : Old Babylonian Moulded Plaque
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Old Babylonian Moulded Plaque - LO.1218
Origin: Mesopotamia
Circa: 2000
BC
to 1700
BC
Dimensions:
4.52" (11.5cm) high
x 2" (5.1cm) wide
Collection: Near Eastern Antiquities
Medium: Terracotta
£8,000.00
Location: Great Britain
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| Description |
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The Old Babylonian period describes south
Mesopotamia in the period about 2000-1600 BC.
The early years saw a number of important states
dominating the region: Isin, Larsa, Eshnunna
and, from 1894 BC, Babylon. Babylon was ruled
by a dynasty of Amorite kings. The sixth ruler
was Hammurapi, who defeated the other
southern states and expanded his control into
north Mesopotamia. On the death of Hammurapi
the empire gradually shrank over about 150
years. Nonetheless, Babylon remained an
important power until it was sacked by the Hittite
king, Mursili I, in about 1595 BC. During the Old
Babylonian period literary activity flourished with
scribes composing and recording religious,
poetic and 'scientific' works in Sumerian and
Akkadian cuneiform. Perhaps the most famous
monument is the stele of Hammurapi, now in the
Musée du Louvre, Paris.
Ceramic plaques of this sort were mass-
produced from moulds and represent a form of
art available to a wide audience. The casting of
plaques was a simple and inexpensive way to
produce relief images, since numerous plaques
could be made from a single mold. They have
been excavated in temples as well as household
shrines in private homes. Their subject matter
varies widely, including religious images,
mythological and erotic scenes, and
representations of rulers and gods.
The long-bearded figure on this plaque carries a
mace or scepter and wears a long vest and the
round headdress of an Old Babylonian/Isin-Larsa
ruler. His posture is erect and commanding,
resembling that of Mesopotamian rulers of the
Akkadian period on monumental relief sculpture.
The mace held by this figure is often interpreted
as a symbol of authority that has been invested
by a higher power. Similar figures appear on
cylinder seals, where they are usually depicted
facing a suppliant goddess who intercedes with
the gods on behalf of the seal owner. it is likely
that this figure represents a king in ceremonial
dress.
- (LO.1218)
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