Tell Asmar (Mesilim period) : Twelve statues discovered by Frankfort from the Favissa of the Temple of Abu, 4th-3rd millennium BC

Date

Authors

Parrot, Andre
Photographer: Arthur Llewellyn Basham

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Abstract

Description

Seen by Parrot as revealing a theocratic social system. Religion the source of inspiration. With their geometrical lines, protruding shoulders, angular elbows, trapezoidal trunk and skirt in the shape of a truncated cone, they were obviously designed with a view to the power of suggestion. Flat-edge carving. From this petrified group there emanates something of that awe and apprehension which historians of religion have described in analysing the sensations primitive man experiences in the presence of the numinous. Parrot suggests that the two biggest statues are the king and queen of Ashnunnak, and the others the highest dignitaries of the city, praying to the gods, in particular to those who grant fertility and fecundity to the region.

Citation

Source

Type

Archives Series

Date created

1960

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This image is provided for research purposes only and must not be reproduced without the prior permission of the Archives Program, Australian National University.

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