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Seated Mesopotamian Goddess
Mesopotamian female deity wearing a horned headdress and sitting on a chair or a throne, probably goddess Ishtar or goddess Bau. The lunar symbol of the moon god Sin appears at the upper part, flanking the headdress. Elaborate dress and braided hair strands. Fired clay plaque from Ur, Southern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, Old-Babylonian period, 2003-1595 BCE.
The Sulaymaniyah Museum, Iraq.
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
