Statuette Gypsum from ancient Mari

Gypsum statuette, 46 x 18 x 20 cm, inscribed with dedication by Salim, brother of the king, to the goddess Ninni-zaza. Mari (Tell Hariri), Syria, c.2500 BC. National Museum of Damascus.

Description

Like some of the other statuettes found in the Mari temples, this one has an inscription on its back, written in a vertical row of seven squares, which enables us to identify the person represented. It reads: “Salim, the oldest brother of the king, the god of the land, his statue to the goddess Ninni-zaza has dedicated.” Surprisingly few of the statuettes discovered in the Mari temples represent the king or members of the royal family. In this case, the person could be identified, but without such inscriptions identification is almost impossible, for the sculptors followed an established model not only for the general pose, but also for the facial features. The face is usually shown as smiling and serene, in a very idealized manner.

  • Site: TELL HARIRI, ANCIENT MARI

  • Date: 2500 BC

  • Material:

  • Item Dimensions: 46 x 18 x 20 cm

  • Archaeological Mission:

  • National Museum Of Damascus (2011) – Museum Number: , DAMASCUS M2083

  • VMS Code: Dam

Excavation Site Location

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