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Bust of a Priest from Uruk
Grey alabaster statue of a male priest, found inside a pottery vessel in the ancient city of Uruk by a German archaeological team from the German Oriental Society in 1929-1930. Probably, it was buried after it got broken. Its height is about 21 cm. The man is bearded, bare-chested, and wears a headband. His physique is muscular. The upper limbs are flexed and clutched to the body and the hands are fisted. From Uruk (modern-day Warka), in southern Iraq, circa 3000 BCE.
Iraq Museum, Baghdad.
Questions & Answers
Was Mesopotamian religion polytheistic?
- Yes. Mesopotamian religion was polytheistic. The people worshipped approximately 3,600 different deities.
When was Mesopotamian religion first established?
- Mesopotamian religion was already established by the Uruk Period c. 4100 BCE.
Who was the most popular Mesopotamian god or goddess?
- The popularity of gods and goddesses changed with different eras but Inanna/Ishtar remained among the most popular in every period.
Why were amulets and charms used by religious people in ancient Mesopotamia?
- Amulets and charms were used by Mesopotamians to attract positive spirits from the gods and defend against dark energies from evil spirits, demons, or ghosts.
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External Links
Mesopotamian Deities | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
metmuseum.org
Mesopotamian Religion
washington.edu
Ancient Mesopotamian Gods & Goddesses
museum.upenn.edu
