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Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh

These counterparts of real mastiffs were buried to guard a property from devils and demons. Ritual instructions for making and inscribing them survive on clay tablets. This pack was found beneath a palace doorway at Nineveh. Each is named...
Lahmu
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Lahmu

Lahmu was a minor god associated with the god Ea. Ritual texts prescribe that such figures be buried in the corners of a room and in the courtyard. From Nineveh, Northern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Neo-Assyrian Period, 900-612 BCE. (The British Museum...
Fish-Cloaked Apkallu
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Fish-Cloaked Apkallu

In order to protect the household, this protective figure (apkallu or sage) would be buried beneath the floor in groups of seven. This figurine represents a wise man dressed in a fish-cloak sent by the god Ea to impart knowledge to humans...
Mesopotamian Cosmetic Bowl
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Mesopotamian Cosmetic Bowl

This luxurious marble cosmetic container has an inscriptions marking it as the property of Marduk, god of Babylon. From Sippar, Southern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Circa 625-550 BCE. (The British Museum, London)
Stone Mould from Nineveh
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Stone Mould from Nineveh

This mould was used to make small and cheap metal amulets. One is an image of demonic Lamashtu, to keep her away from women and their new-borne infants. From Nineveh, Northern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Neo-Assyrian Period, 800-612 BCE. (The British...
Mesopotamian Amulet Against Plague
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Mesopotamian Amulet Against Plague

Mesopotamian amulet covered with a quotation from a poem, the Akkadian Erra Epic, thought suitable to ward off plague. From Ashur, Northern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Neo-Assyrian Period, 800-612 BCE. The British Museum, London.
Mesopotamian Amulet Against Ghosts
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Mesopotamian Amulet Against Ghosts

Stone inscribed with an incantation that has 7 signs, repeated 7 times. It is much worn through use. From Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq, c. 800-550 BCE. The British Museum, London.
Ninurta Amulet
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Ninurta Amulet

The inscription on this blue stone amulet calls on the warrior god Ninurta for help against any evil. From Mesopotamia, Iraq. Circa 700-550 BCE. (The British Museum, London)
Protective Figure from Ur
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Protective Figure from Ur

This is a clay plaque of a woman and a child, moulded in a relief. The woman stands naked on a platform and holds her child with her left hand; the right hand appears to guide the child to her breast. Such plaques were made to protect women...
Protective Clay Plaque from Ur
Image by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin

Protective Clay Plaque from Ur

This is a clay plaque depicting a naked woman, standing on a platform and holding her breasts. Such plaques were made to protect women and ensure their safety during labor. From Ur, Southern Mesopotamia, Iraq. Circa 700-500 BCE. (The British...
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