Aidan Salomon

HIST 134
12 July 2019

Religion is found at the heart of all ancient civilizations. There is

always an element of spiritual belief that becomes habitual in
communities whether they are isolated or not. Although their
ideas may have contrasted, religion has been known to shape
daily life, social relationships, culture, and more. Understanding
religion can be a key insight on how a certain ancient civilization
came to be and it impacted future civilizations.

1. The Statuette of Lama was a carved, religious stele of the

protective Goddess that was relied on to keep the king safe. This
stone sculpture originated around 1307 to 1282 B.C. to keep the
Kassite king, Nazi-Maruttash, out of harms way. It is thought that
the statue had connections to both the immortal and mortal
worlds or between the gods and usually the current king. This
stele also has a counterpart and both were found in a sacred place
called Eanna which means “House of Heaven.” This was also the
place where the statue was kept to worship and whoever removed this statue from “The
House of Heaven” was cursed.
“Stele of the protective goddess Lama, ca. 1307–1282 B.C.” The MET,
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/325092. Accessed 12 July 2019.

2. This vessel stand with ibex support from around 2600 to 2350
B.C. would have been used during religious ceremonies in which
the people made offerings to the god’s. With this particular stand,
bowls of food or an incense burner would have been placed on
the flat surface as a token of gratitude. This demonstrates the
significance of eternal figures in the average person’s life during
this time period. The people were thankful to the god’s for
allowing their society to flourish in good health, receive plentiful
crops, and live in peace.

“Vessel stand with ibex support, ca. 2600–2350 B.C.” The MET,
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/329091.
Accessed 12 July 2019.

3. This worshipper statue found in Mesopotamia, Eshnunna was made to

permanently worship the Gods and Goddess. It’s function was to fill in
the place of a human while they aren't present. This statue was most
likely praying to the god Abu because its region and the temple it was
found in named
“Square Temple”. Religion was prominent in these early civilizations,
to the point that this statue at all times during the day was believed to
be used to pray to the gods even when the participant was busy doing
other tasks. 24/7 the people could count on this object praying to the
gods through the morning and night.

“Standing Male Worshipper” The MET,

https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/40.156/. Accessed 12
July 2019.
 July 2019.

4. Each king of the city-state, Lagash, had a sculpture made of them. The
Statue of Gudea is of King Gudea. His rule lasted from 2150 to 2125
B.C.. Gudea was thought of as divine during his time because he used
his power to rebuild temples and create houses for his close family as
well as the gods. Many believed that he was selfless, in the statue he
is tranquil with his hands intertwined in his lap showing a gesture of
serenity and prayer. His actions were remarked as similar to the gods
and people looked up to him as if he were one.

“Statue of Gudea” The MET,

https://www.metmuseum.org/en/art/collection/search/329072. Accessed 12 July 2019.

5. This statue of a female worshipper from Mesopotamia, Nippur goes back to ca. 2600–2500
B.C.. This statue was found in the Nippur temple of Inanna worshipping the Sumerian
goddess of abundance. This statue was crafted with brick and other materials such as the
dye used in the eyes called lapis lazuli. Researchers believe that statues crafted and
preserved to this degree indicated that people would bring offerings to worship the gods
and goddesses. “Standing Female Worshiper” The MET,
https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/62.70.2/. Accessed 12 July 2019.

6. This artifact from the Diyala Plains originates from around 2900 to
2600 B.C.. Each city in the Mesopotamian community had a
patron deity that served only their area. The deity had their own
temple and ground, on which many people came to pray. The
statue is of a man carrying a box atop his head, presumably to hold
offerings. It’s also thought that this statue was a foundational
deposit; a ritual material buried beneath the architectural structure
dedicated to the god. Temples were thought of as so divine that
they each had their own special cleaning rituals and methods of
purification. Participants of worship respected their god’s home
with the utmost respect.

“Man carrying a box, possibly for offerings, ca. 2900–2600 B.C.”

The MET,
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/329075.
Accessed 12 July 2019.