 |
|
Bearded,
Winged Being (Genie); Neo-Assyrian
period, reign of Ashurnasirpal II (r. 883–859 B.C.)
Mesopotamia; excavated at Nimrud (ancient Kalhu)
Alabaster (gypsum)
Gift of John D. Rockefeller Jr., 1931 (31.72.1)
Winged guardian figures—whether human-headed or eagle-headed—probably
represent ancient mythical sages called apkallu. This figure
is performing a ritual fertilization on the sacred
tree.
The soles of the sandals on this winged guardian figure retain the
original black paint. The palace reliefs would have been extensively
painted, but this paint is rarely preserved.
Enlarge image.
Learn more about the Standard Inscription.
|
|
