Artwork of the day

Alabaster figurines from Tell Asmar (located in modern Iraq), c. 2700 BC

These figurines from the Mesopotamian town of Tell Asmar were found buried together underneath the floor of the altar in the so called Square Temple dedicated to the god Abu and date from the Early Dynastic Period, c. 2700 BC.
Recent theories view the whole group as worshipers –including possibly a priest- who were supposed to pray in eternity to the god(s) on behalf of the people they represented. The only exception is probably the smallest, kneeling figure that is often interpreted as a mythical creature. Their excellent state of preservation (due to the fact that they were buried for thousands of years) is unique and makes them among the most impressive examples of Mesopotamian civilisation.