Uruk (Pure Kassite period) : Innin (Inanna) Temple of Kara-inda(sh), 14th century BC

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Strommenger, Eva

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The socle was found in scattered fragments only and its original form is not quite certain. The deities in recesses are probably mountain-gods alternating with goddesses. The exaggerated length of the bodies is paralleled on seals of the Pure Kassite period. Parrot says both layout and themes are reminiscent of the archaic temple of Gawra about 1500 years earlier. Facade of baked brick was decorated with a typically Mesopomatian motif, the flowing vase, but the treatment of it contained new elements, e.g. gods & goddesses juxtaposed. Each figure holds a vase in both hands out of which simulated streams of water flow down in wavy lines from niche to niche and over the pilasters between them. Wholly novel was the Kassite use of moulded bricks which, when assembled in sufficient quantities, made up for the absence of stone and could be fitted together in such a way as to form continuous terracotta bas-reliefs. See also : Andre Parrot, Sumer, translated by Stuart Gilbert and James Emmons, London, Thames & Hudson, 1960, Illustration 392, p. 317 -- Brick, h : 2.95 m (reconstructed in Berlin, parts in Iraq Museum).

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Archives Series

Date created

1964

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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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