Artwork of the day

Bronze and gold statuette of a deity, probably of Syro-Palestine origin, 14th c. BC

When the excavations of the Uluburun shipwreck started in 1984 in the coasts of Turkey, the archaeological world was amazed by the quantity and quality of artefacts that the ship carried during its last trip. The ship has been dated through dendrochronology to the late 14^th century BC (c 1316-1305 BC) which corresponds to the later part of the Bronze Age in the region. It was 15 metres long, made from cedar wood and could carry up to 20 tonnes of cargo from almost all the civilizations of the area. 

This statuette made of bronze and gold was carried by the ship and could have been used as the protective deity of the ship. Based on its style it is believed that it was probably of Syro-palestine origin.

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.