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Art of the First Cities
The Divine World: Iran
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Standing lioness demon, ca. 3000–2800 B.C.; Proto-Elamite. Iran. Magnesite or crystalline limestone; H. 8.8 cm (3 1/2 in.); W. 6.2 cm (2 1/2 in.). On loan to the Brooklyn Museum of Art L.48.7.9, Collection of Robin B. Martin.
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This distinctive sculpture shows a remarkably powerful depiction of a demonic feline who stands on her hind legs while pressing her front paws together in the center of her massive chest. It is conceived frontally, with its head turned to be seen in profile. The figure can be identified as Proto-Elamite on the basis of comparisons with seal impressions from the site of Susa in southwestern Iran impressed on tablets inscribed with Proto-Elamite script. The abstract curved forms of the figure are compacted with an almost explosive pressure that gives the small lion demon a monumentality that could be sustained at a much greater scale. Although the stark white color appeals to today's tastes, this figure originally was probably quite colorful. From its tail might have emerged long colorful streamers of perhaps gold ribbon, and its lower hind legs were certainly constructed of precious metal, either gold or silver. On the back of the head of the feline are four holes that are drilled through. Although these holes may also have accommodated streamers, they were possibly threaded with a thong that allowed the demon to be suspended, probably from the neck of a powerful leader.
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