description Tell Asmar Hoard Overview
The Tell Asmar Hoard consists of over 400 small Sumerian votive statues excavated from a temple at Tell Asmar in Iraq. Dating to approximately 2900-2550 BC, these gypsum sculptures depict human and animal figures, notably characterized by their large, staring eyes. The hoard offers valuable insight into the religious practices and artistic conventions of early Mesopotamian civilization. Archaeologists and scholars specializing in Sumerian culture and ancient Near Eastern art study this collection to understand beliefs surrounding deities and ritual offerings.
help Tell Asmar Hoard FAQ
What is the Tell Asmar Hoard?
The Tell Asmar Hoard is a famous collection of Sumerian votive statues discovered in modern-day Iraq. They were originally crafted by ancient artisans around 2900-2550 BC.
What is the most distinctive physical feature of the statues in the Tell Asmar Hoard?
These ancient relics are most noted for their large, wide-open, staring eyes. The exaggerated eyes were designed to represent eternal wakefulness in the presence of the gods.
Where were the Tell Asmar statues originally discovered?
They were unearthed at the archaeological site of Tell Asmar, known historically as the ancient city of Eshnunna. This site is located in the Diyala region of Iraq.
What was the religious purpose of the Tell Asmar votive figures?
These statues were used as physical stand-ins for worshippers in Sumerian temples. By placing a statue with wide, observant eyes in the temple, devotees could ensure their prayers were continuously heard by the deities.
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