The Tell Asmar Statutes

Shacora Jones

Humanities 191 (9:15-10:20)

PowerPoint Slide

Week Six

Tell Asmar Figures (2700 BC) - These are three-dimensional statuettes made of

marble. The tallest figure is about 30 inches in height. He represents the god of

vegetation. The next tallest represents a mother goddess-mother goddesses were

common in many ancient cultures.

They were worshipped in the hope that they would bring fertility to women and to crops. (Another connection to African culture.)

The next largest figures are priests. The smallest figures are worshippers---a definite HIERARCHY of size. This is an example

of ARTISTIC ICONOGRAPHY. We learn to read picture symbols---bodies are

cylindrical and scarcely differentiated by gender, with their uplifted heads and hands

clasped. This is a pose of supplication-wanting or waiting for something.