Sumerian temple statue - Mesopotamia - Replica of rare ancient sculpture artifact

Sumerian temple statue

Dimensions :-

Height - 21 cm / 8-1/4 inches

Width - 11 cm / 4-1/2 inches

Depth - 9 cm / 3-1/2 inches


On offer here is a fine replica of an actual Sumerian temple statue of the early dynastic period - 2900–2350 B.C.E.

Made of a limestone and quartzite composition stone, this charming statue has an aged patina with a highlight of white gypsum for the intact right eye.



Background information

Temple statues such as this substantial, and well preserved specimen were commissioned by the pious worshippers of Mesopotamia who were not actually permitted to enter the sacred precint atop a ziggurat or temple.

They were likely given to the priests to be set up in the inner sanctum to bear witness to the sacred rights and communications with the gods performed by the initiated priests. Although the features are not portraits of the individual, they would carry the spirit of the owner and act as a substitute for them. Many variations of theses statues exist thanks to the likely decluttering of temple precincts in ancient times. Statues were buried in the temple grounds thus preserving them in great numbers and in relatively good condition.

The male figures are frequently bald, as in this example but could have painted hair or carved beards. They wear either a fluted or stylized sheep's wool skirt with slight curls to indicate the nature of fleece. This statue has a fluted version and is a striking reminder of the ancient fashion that was worn in life during ceremonial situations or at least during the cold winter months.

Female figures wore a great variety of head gear and a major difference can be seen in the depiction of cloth draped over the shoulder making it easy for us to distinguish the gender of a statue.

On both male and female statues, hands were shown clasped right over left at waist or chest level giving the look of piety and devotion. The use of inlays for the eyes were also a signature feature of the Sumerian temple statue. The man on offer seems to have lost one in ancient times but does not detract from the happy countenance this statue imbues.