Ancient Near East Art

By Leslie1227
  • Warka Vase, Sumerian, c. 3300-3000 BCE, Alabaster, carved in low relief, 36 in. high, Iraq Museum, Baghdad
    3300 BCE

    Warka Vase, Sumerian, c. 3300-3000 BCE, Alabaster, carved in low relief, 36 in. high, Iraq Museum, Baghdad

    One of the earliest narrative relief sculptures in art history, the Warka Vase shows a procession of figures bringing offerings to the goddess Inanna. its registers demonstrates early organization of space and hierarchy, reflecting Sumerian religion devotion and social order.
  • Votive Statue from the Square Temple of Eshnunna, Sumerian, c. 2700 BCE, Gypsum inlaid with shell and black limestone, Varying from 12-30in, The oriental Institute, University of Chicago
    2700 BCE

    Votive Statue from the Square Temple of Eshnunna, Sumerian, c. 2700 BCE, Gypsum inlaid with shell and black limestone, Varying from 12-30in, The oriental Institute, University of Chicago

    These devotional statues, with wide, attentive eyes and clasped hands, symbolize, perpetual prayer to the gods on behalf of worshippers. Their stylized forms express humility, piety, and the spiritual ideals of early Mesopotamian temple culture.
  • Standard of Ur, Sumerian, c. 2600-2400 BCE, wood inlaid with shells, lapis lazuli, and red limestone, 8in x 1 ft. 7in, British Museum, London
    2599 BCE

    Standard of Ur, Sumerian, c. 2600-2400 BCE, wood inlaid with shells, lapis lazuli, and red limestone, 8in x 1 ft. 7in, British Museum, London

    The standard of "Ur" is a rectangular mosaic box showing scenes of war and peace. It uses hierarchical scale and contrasting imagery to convey the dual roles of the ruler. protector in war and provided in peace.