Statues of Votive Figures, ca. 2900-2600 BC, Square Temple at Eshnunna, Alabaster
Gypsum inland with shell and black limestone. Surrogate for donor and offers constant prayer to deities. Placed in the Temple facing altar of the state gods.
Statues of Votive Figures
Context:
2900 B.C.E.
Aspect of Mesopotamian religion is the votive figure of mortal men and women
Worshipers would set up images of themselves in a shrine before a larger image of god as part of devotional practice
Content:
Alabaster (soft stone)
Pedestals (standing up during worship)
1 to 3 ft tall
Figures of donor males and females
Hierarchical scale of individual parts of the body -- eyes are larger than the hands
Form
Individualized vs. stylized or symbolic
Realistic anatomy
Detailed eyes → significant, intricate
Made of Lapis Lazuli
Materials → gypsum inlaid with shell and brick limestone
Faces and bodies in a V-shape with the skirt kicking out
It is not a true portrait where you could recognize the individual
Function
Portable; temple away from place of worship
Stand-in for owner (stylized for a specific person but not an individual)
Inscription
Reminds anthropomorphic god to look favorably upon the donor
Wish to be granted
Increase the representation and status of the donor by showing the wealth of the votive offering
Cross-Cultural Connections:
Female Deity from Nukuoro
Veranda post
Ikenga
Standing Male Worship
Content:
Small bearded + robed statue
Wide eyes (childlike)
(Material) Gypsum alabaster, shell, black limestone, bitumen
Context:
Mesopotamia, Eshnunna (modern Tell Asmar)
ca. 2900–2600 B.C.
Early Dynastic I-II
Sumerian
Form:
Hands folded in reverence
Wide-eyed with head tilted upward -- allow for continuous eye contact with the god
Arched brows inlaid with dark shells, limestone, and bitumen
Stocky muscular body with heavy legs, large geet, and big shoulders -- shows strength which is important because the statue needs to be strong enough to endure the constant worship
Function:
Serve as a stand-in when the owner couldn’t come to prayer
Preserve faith to god(s) after death
