Unknown Artist, Assyrian Relief: Two Winged, Eagle-Headed Spirits from Kalhu (Nimrud), Iraq, Northwest Palace, Room H, panel 30, ca. 875 - 60 , gypsum (Mosul alabaster), 56 3/16 in. x 84 1/4 in. x 6 1/4 in. ( cm. x 214 cm. x cm.), These eagle-headed, winged figures are important protective spirits for the Assyrians and are dressed from the neck down as the human-headed apkallu. Equipped with daggers and whetstones, both figures hold buckets in their lowered hands with cone-shaped 'purifiers' held aloft. The purifiers recall the form of the male date-palm spathe (flower sheath),
Unknown Artist, Assyrian Relief: Two Winged, Eagle-Headed Spirits from Kalhu (Nimrud), Iraq, Northwest Palace, Room H, panel 30, ca. 875 - 60 , gypsum (Mosul alabaster), 56 3/16 in. x 84 1/4 in. x 6 1/4 in. ( cm. x 214 cm. x cm.), These eagle-headed, winged figures are important protective spirits for the Assyrians and are dressed from the neck down as the human-headed apkallu. Equipped with daggers and whetstones, both figures hold buckets in their lowered hands with cone-shaped 'purifiers' held aloft. The purifiers recall the form of the male date-palm spathe (flower sheath), and, hence, hold a special sexual meaning. The figures are in the act of 'fertilizing' the sacred tree between them. The stylized tree with its trunk, tendrils, and palmettes, probably represents the fertility of the land and was a popular motif during the reign of Ashurnasirpal. The 'Standard Inscription' of Ashurnasirpal, common to many of his reliefs, runs across the upper half of the sculpture. It records the King's titles, ancestry, and achievements.
Size: 6300px × 4230px
Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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