Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215 (2)
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Sumerian - Relief Fragment with Male Figures Carrying Goats Before a R...
This fragmentary tablet depicts a seated man, probably a ruler or high official, holding a beaker in his right hand and a bundle of plants in his left. A nude priest brings a jug, and a small goat is jumping on... More
Babylonian - Boundary Stone - Walters 2110 - View A
A "kudurru," the Akkadian term for boundary stone, combines images of the king, gods, and divine symbols with a text recording royal grants of land and tax exemption to an individual. While the original was hou... More
Mesopotamian - Ram's Head Pendant - Walters 421461 - Three Quarter Lef...
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. A... More
Syrian - Relief with Two Heroes - Walters 2118
This relief decorated the lower course of the exterior wall of the temple palace of King Kapara. Two heroes pin down a bearded foe, while grabbing at his pronged headdress. The context may be related to the Gil... More
Babylonian - Boundary Stone - Walters 2110 - Back
A "kudurru," the Akkadian term for boundary stone, combines images of the king, gods, and divine symbols with a text recording royal grants of land and tax exemption to an individual. While the original was hou... More
Babylonian - Boundary Stone - Walters 2110
A "kudurru," the Akkadian term for boundary stone, combines images of the king, gods, and divine symbols with a text recording royal grants of land and tax exemption to an individual. While the original was hou... More
Sumerian - Stone Foundation Tablet with Inscription of Gudea - Walters...
This tablet is plano-convex, and has an inscription of Gudea on two faces.
Syrian - Male Votive Figure of Baal - Walters 54788
This solid cast bronze figurine served as a votive offering, and represents the Canaanite war god, Baal, bringer of the autumnal rains and suppressor of the destructive flood waters. He probably wore a gold ski... More
Mesopotamian - Stamp Seal in the Form of a Reclining Calf - Walters 42...
This stamp seal is carved in the shape of a reclining bull. The base is engraved with a design of five large felines and other scattered animals.
Levantine - Jar and Cover for Manuscript Rolls - Walters 482058 - Side...
Between 1948 and 1956, about 80 intact manuscript rolls and more than 20,000 fragments were discovered in eleven caves at Qumran, near the Dead Sea. Known as the Dead Sea Scrolls, they preserve parts of every b... More
Syrian - Pair of Mulberry Earrings - Walters 57608, 57609
This pair of mulberry earrings is decorated with granulation and repoussé.
Anatolian - Figurine of a God - Walters 572058
This god wears the tall conical headdress and short skirt of Hittite deities. He raises one arm above his head in the "smiting" position associated with the storm god.
Anatolian - Sacred Bull - Walters 541671
Bulls with a silver triangle between their horns have been found in central Anatolian royal burials. The collar and holes for a nose ring suggest that the animal may have been harnessed to a god's chariot.
Assyrian - Copy of Victory Stele Inscription - Walters 41109 - View A
This stone tablet has the same inscription as a victory monument at an important battlefield, celebrating the defeat of a coalition of Babylonians and Elamites by the Assyrians. The inscription gives details of... More
Canaanite - Scarab with Walking Lion Design - Walters 4236 - Left
The ancient Egyptians believed that the dung beetle, the Scarabaeus sacer, was one of the manifestations of the sun god. Representations of these beetles were used as amulets, and for ritual or administrative p... More
Iranian - Oval Bowl with Enthronement Scene - Walters 57625 - Profile
The enthroned king in the center of this hammered and carved bowl is flanked on the right by an attendant waving a fly whisk and on the left by a noble or princely figure holding a beaded diadem. The ends of t... More
Iranian - Pair of Harness Trappings (Strap Guide) - Walters 54113, 541...
A monster grasps the hindquarters of one goat with its tail and bites the neck of another.
Mesopotamian - Bird - Walters 421454
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. E... More
Mesopotamian - Bull's Head Amulet - Walters 421458
In Mesopotamia, jewelry was both worn and offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Its purpose was often more functional than ornamental: pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to in... More
Phoenician - Bowl with Hunting Scene - Walters 57705 - Back
In the center of this shallow bowl, a man stabs a raging lion. They are surrounded by a ring of flying ducks and prancing horses. In the next ring, archers on foot and mounted spearmen advance among trees behin... More
Phoenician - Bowl with Hunting Scene - Walters 57705
In the center of this shallow bowl, a man stabs a raging lion. They are surrounded by a ring of flying ducks and prancing horses. In the next ring, archers on foot and mounted spearmen advance among trees behin... More
Sumerian - Lipit Ishtar Cone - Walters 481454 - View A
This unglazed, inscribed clay cone is from the Ur III period. It features the name of Lipit Ishtar, king of Isin. The nail has no head and the sides are slightly curved.
Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215 - Right Side
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Sumerian - Stone Foundation Tablet with an Inscription of Gudea - Walt...
This tablet is plano-convex, with an inscription of Gudea on two faces.
Syrian - Ring with Reclining Ram - Walters 57970 - Profile
This impressive ring is decorated with chased geometric patterns on the hoop and a reclining ram on top. Lotus blossom ornaments in relief adorn the sides and indicate Egyptian influence. Rings like this would ... More
Anatolian - Figurine of a Child - Walters 42360
Rock crystal figures of the Christ child are among the rarest of luxury items to have been made for the Portuguese in India and Sri Lanka. This sculpture was likely once adorned with a golden crown inlaid with ... More
Babylonian - Economic Document - Walters 482030 - View A
This small tablet was part of the economic archives of the temple of the sky-god Anu and fertility-goddess Ishtar at Uruk. It records the stipend paid to Ardi-Inninni, son of Ibni-Ishtar of the business firm of... More
Canaanite - Scarab with "Udjat" Eyes - Walters 4239 - Impression Detai...
This steatite scarab is the bezel of a finger ring. Its flat underside is incised with a vertically arranged design of a pair of facing, connected "Udjat" eyes with script signs below. The design of the back of... More
Egyptian - Plaque with Sphinx and Duck - Walters 42982 (2)
This steatite amulet is incised with sunk relief designs on both the front and back. The carvings on the front depict a sphinx, while those on the back show a duck. The figures fill most of the image field, and... More
Egyptian - Plaque with Sphinx and Duck - Walters 42982 - Reverse (2)
This steatite amulet is incised with sunk relief designs on both the front and back. The carvings on the front depict a sphinx, while those on the back show a duck. The figures fill most of the image field, and... More
Egyptian - Ptah Seated on Throne - Walters 42400 - Left
Anonymous (Egyptian). 'Ptah seated on throne,' . Glazed steatite. Walters Art Museum (42.400): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Iranian - Bottle - Walters 571923 - View B
NaN Public domain photograph of vase-shaped vessel, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Iranian - Finial with Two Felines - Walters 54115
Finials for ceremonial standards and bridle bits with animal forms are characteristic of the metalwork produced by the hunter societies of Luristan about 1050-600 BC. The life of the hunter is built around anim... More
Iranian - Ibex-Shaped Vessel - Walters 482228 - Right Side
The ribbed horn of an ibex (a type of wild goat) forms the handle of this vessel. Made for ritual use, liquid, perhaps oil, could be poured into the tail and out of the animal's mouth.
Iranian - Relief Fragment with Griffin - Walters 2112
This fragment is carved in sunk relief and depticts a griffin. At the top is a cymatium and at the bottom, a bead and reel pattern. The piece is sawn at the top and sides.
Mesopotamian - Dove - Walters 421463
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. A... More
Mesopotamian - Owl Amulet - Walters 421453 (2)
In Mesopotamia, jewelry was both worn and offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Its purpose was often more functional than ornamental: pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to in... More
Phoenician - Crown with Goddesses and Ibexes - Walters 57968
This gold crown of nine rectangular plaques in stamped relief depicts fertility goddesses and ibexes.
Sumerian - Headless Male Figures Wearing Kanaches - Walters 214 - 3 Ba...
Ancient Sumerians dedicated statues of themselves to their gods, placing them before the divine image in the temple. The posture of the votive statues, with hands clasped against the chest, ensured that they re... More
Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215 - Three Quarter Back
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215 - Three Quarter Right
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Syrian - Statuette of a Seated Canaanite - Walters 542485
The seated male figure, dressed in a long cloak, clasps his hands in front of his body in prayer. The identification of the statuette as Canaanite is based on stylistic parallels with sculptures from Hazor (in ... More
Assyrian - Tablet with Cuneiform Writing - Walters 41163 - View A
In four pieces, the inscription features the name of Assurbanipal.
Canaanite - Sacred Trees - Walters 71640 - Side A
This thick conical piece has a dowel hole in the narrow end. Incised on the wide faces are "sacred trees" composed of tendrils and papyrus stalks. On the edges are lotus blossoms.
Egyptian - Ptah Seated on Throne - Walters 42400 - Back
Anonymous (Egyptian). 'Ptah seated on throne,' . Glazed steatite. Walters Art Museum (42.400): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Iranian - Axe Head - Walters 54111
Anonymous (Iranian). 'Axe Head,' ca. 1000 BC. cast and incised bronze. Walters Art Museum (54.111): Acquired by Henry Walters.
Iranian - Axe Head with Iron Blade - Walters 542580
Along the side of this axe head, a feline creature reclines, while the blade emerges from the roaring mouth of another.
Iranian - Ewer - Walters 54457 - Profile
This ewer with geometric and floral designs, exemplifies a group of cast brass ewers, which may belong to the earliest known examples of Islamic metalwork. It is distinguished by its pear-shaped body, elegant ... More
Levantine - Jewish Ossuary - Walters 23240
The shape of this piece was inspired by wooden chests that were used in Jewish homes. The origin of the Jewish ossuary (a box for holding bones) can be traced back to the late 1st century BC, during the time wh... More
Mesopotamian - Frog Amulet - Walters 421462 - Three Quarter Right
In Mesopotamia, jewelry was both worn and offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Its purpose was often more functional than ornamental: pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to in... More
Mesopotamian - Stone Foundation Tablet - Walters 41223 - View A
This is a plano-convex tablet with inscription of Warad-sin of Larsa.
Near Eastern - Scaraboid with Icon of a Sphinx (?) - Walters 571529 - ...
This steatite ovoid is incised with a horizontally arranged bottom design of a hawk-headed sphinx (?) with a long raised tail. The top displays a pattern with two central, parallel lines and two sets of 'V'-sha... More
Sumerian - Dedication Nail - Walters 481457 - View A
Clay nails such as this one inscribed with the name of King Gudea of Lagash were embedded in the upper parts of walls, sometimes with the head protruding. They may have developed from the custom of hammering a ... More
Sumerian - Gudea Cone - Walters 481459 - View A
The inscription on this clay cone features the name of Gudea, king of Lagash.
Syrian - Slab with Goat - Walters 2117
This relief was excavated in northern Syria at the site of Tell Halaf, the capital of a small independent city-state known as Guzana to the Assyrians, who conquered it in the late 9th century BC. More than two ... More
Anatolian - Seal of Tarkummuwa, King of Mera - Walters 571512
Luwian hieroglyphs surround a figure in royal dress. The inscription, repeated in cuneiform around the rim, gives the seal owner's name: the ruler Tarkasnawa of Mira. This famous bilingual inscription provided ... More
Babylonian - Female Mesopotamian Figure - Walters 481807
Terracotta figurines of standing nude women are the most common type of Babylonian votive. Sometimes the figure clasps her hands in front of her, as seen here, while in other examples the figure holds her breas... More
Egyptian - Plaque with Sphinx and Duck - Walters 42982
This steatite amulet is incised with sunk relief designs on both the front and back. The carvings on the front depict a sphinx, while those on the back show a duck. The figures fill most of the image field, and... More
Iranian - Bottle - Walters 571923 - View D
NaN Public domain photograph of vase-shaped vessel, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Iranian - Ewer - Walters 54457 - Public domain museum image. A metal v...
This ewer with geometric and floral designs, exemplifies a group of cast brass ewers, which may belong to the earliest known examples of Islamic metalwork. It is distinguished by its pear-shaped body, elegant ... More
Iranian - Female Fertility Finial - Walters 54121 - Group
This piece adopts the traditional Near Eastern image of a nude female figure, holding her breasts in her hands. Cock heads sprout from each shoulder.
Iranian - Horse Bit in the Shape of Horses - Walters 542427
Horse bits such as this one were not only used in life, but also may have been placed under the head of their owners in the grave.
Iranian - Ibex-Shaped Vessel - Walters 482228 - Three Quarter Left
The ribbed horn of an ibex (a type of wild goat) forms the handle of this vessel. Made for ritual use, liquid, perhaps oil, could be poured into the tail and out of the animal's mouth.
Mesopotamian - Seated Bird Amulet - Walters 421452 - Right
In Mesopotamia, jewelry was both worn and offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Its purpose was often more functional than ornamental: pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to in... More
Persian - Bull Amulet - Walters 42221
Anonymous (Persian). 'Bull Amulet,' 6th-5th century BC. lapis lazuli. Walters Art Museum (42.221): Acquired by Henry Walters, 1912.
Sumerian - Headless Male Figures Wearing Kanaches - Walters 214 - Righ...
Ancient Sumerians dedicated statues of themselves to their gods, placing them before the divine image in the temple. The posture of the votive statues, with hands clasped against the chest, ensured that they re... More
Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215 - Back
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215 - Bottom
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Syrian - Relief Portrait Bust - Walters 23231
This male head and bust are carved in high relief on curved plaque.
Syrian - Ring with Reclining Ram - Walters 57970 - Side B
This impressive ring is decorated with chased geometric patterns on the hoop and a reclining ram on top. Lotus blossom ornaments in relief adorn the sides and indicate Egyptian influence. Rings like this would ... More
Anatolian - Griffin Fibula - Walters 542232
The human hand on the foreleg of the griffin would have held the pin of this brooch.
Anatolian - Seal of Tarkummuwa, King of Mera - Walters 571512 - Back
Luwian hieroglyphs surround a figure in royal dress. The inscription, repeated in cuneiform around the rim, gives the seal owner's name: the ruler Tarkasnawa of Mira. This famous bilingual inscription provided ... More
Assyrian - Plaque with a King (?) and Winged Genius - Walters 2111
This plaque is carved in relief and depicts a king (?) and a winged genius. It is possibly a copy from the alabaster reliefs of Ashur-nasir-pal.
Assyrian - Relief with Winged Genius - Walters 219 - Detail A
The genius was a benevolent deity, who also had a protective function. His elaborate garments, with intricate depictions of animal hunts and ritual scenes along the edges, are the typical apparel of courtiers ... More
Iranian - Ibex-Shaped Vessel - Walters 482228 - Three Quarter Right
The ribbed horn of an ibex (a type of wild goat) forms the handle of this vessel. Made for ritual use, liquid, perhaps oil, could be poured into the tail and out of the animal's mouth.
Iranian - Pair of Cheekpieces in the Shape of Monsters - Walters 54116...
The monsters on this pair of cheekpieces from a horse bit are felines with wings sprouting from their rumps. The heads of demons appear on their backs.
Levantine - Pendant Frame of Goddess on Horseback - Walters 571593
Only the base plate and frame of this pendant survive. Traces of white and light-blue inlays provide clues to its original appearance. The figure represents the Near Eastern goddess of war and love, known as Is... More
Mesopotamian - Bird - Walters 421460 - Right Side
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. A... More
Mesopotamian - Duck - Walters 421455 - Right Side
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. A... More
Mesopotamian - Duck - Walters 421455 - Three Quarter Left
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. A... More
Mesopotamian - Ram's Head Pendant - Walters 421461 - Left
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. A... More
Mesopotamian - Scarab with a Standing Ruler - Walters 4269 - Right
This jasper scarab has a flat underside with a design in sunk relief combining royal and divine images with a ruler, lotus plants, and a moon crescent. The design of the back is very detailed with irregular lin... More
Sumerian - Headless Male Figures Wearing Kanaches - Walters 214 (2)
Ancient Sumerians dedicated statues of themselves to their gods, placing them before the divine image in the temple. The posture of the votive statues, with hands clasped against the chest, ensured that they re... More
Sumerian - Lipit Ishtar Cone - Walters 481455 - View A
This unglazed, inscribed clay cone is from the Ur III period. The inscription features the name of Lipit Ishtar, king of Isin.
Sumerian - Male Worshiper - Walters 215 - View A
The shaven head, a sign of ritual purity, may identify this figure as a priest. A partially preserved inscription on one shoulder states that he prays to Ninshubur, the goddess associated with the planet Mercury.
Sumerian - Record of Temple Workers - Walters 481767 - View A
This is one of the largest clay tablets to survive from the Neo-Sumerian period. The 24 columns of writing on the back and front record the names of nearly 20,000 temple workers from the Umma area. It dates to ... More
Syrian - "Tel Halaf" Fertility Figurine - Walters 482741 - Back
As early as the 7th millennium BC, cultures in the Near East began to create organized settlements with well-developed religious and funerary practices. The Halaf culture of Anatolia (central Turkey) and north... More
Syrian - Ring with Reclining Ram - Walters 57970 - Top
This impressive ring is decorated with chased geometric patterns on the hoop and a reclining ram on top. Lotus blossom ornaments in relief adorn the sides and indicate Egyptian influence. Rings like this would ... More
Anatolian - Head and Torso of a Woman - Walters 57972
This hollow figure holding her breasts probably was part of a table or chair leg. The provincial character of the partly opened mouth and bulging eyes is associated with the metalworking tradition of Urartu.
Assyrian - Relief with Winged Genius - Walters 219 - Detail B
The genius was a benevolent deity, who also had a protective function. His elaborate garments, with intricate depictions of animal hunts and ritual scenes along the edges, are the typical apparel of courtiers ... More
Canaanite - Scarab with "Udjat" Eyes - Walters 4239 - Back
This steatite scarab is the bezel of a finger ring. Its flat underside is incised with a vertically arranged design of a pair of facing, connected "Udjat" eyes with script signs below. The design of the back of... More
Iranian - Beaked Jug - Walters 482093 - Three Quarter
The elongated spout of this vessel is bird-shaped, with the head of the bird curving back towards its tail. The imaginative shape is typical of Iranian ceramics of this period.
Iranian - Harness Trapping - Walters 54118
Two small felines bite the curving horns of a sheep on this harness ring. Below, a horned demon figure grasps the sides of a ring on which the felines stand.
Iranian - Small Jar with Birds, Rosettes, and Geometric Patterns - Wal...
The simplicity of this design is characteristic of the painted pottery from the site of Tepe Giyan in western Iran. The birds may represent ostriches. Such pottery has been found in burials along with jewelry a... More
Levantine - Inlay Cow Suckling a Calf - Walters 711170
Some of the most elaborate ivory works have been discovered in the Kalhu (present-day Nimrud). These objects were brought from Syrian and Phoenician workshops to the Neo-Assyrian court. Egyptianizing style and ... More
Mesopotamian - Bird - Walters 421454 - Left Side
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. E... More
Mesopotamian - Duck - Walters 421455
In Mesopotamia, small animal figurines were worn as amulets and also offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to increase the wearer's power. A... More
Mesopotamian - Frog Amulet - Walters 421462 - Three Quarter Left
In Mesopotamia, jewelry was both worn and offered in temples as gifts to the gods. Its purpose was often more functional than ornamental: pendants worn on the body served as talismans to ward off evil and to in... More