Images

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...

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)

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 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.

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.

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)

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...

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...

In this clay plaque, a woman is depicted nursing her child from her left breast. The mother sits cross-legged putting her infant on her lap. Such plaques were made to protect women and ensure their safety during labor. From the north-west...

Bust of Mên, the Moon God worshipped in the western interior parts of Anatolia. He wears the Phrygian cap and the crescent moon seem to emerge from his shoulders. Roman period (Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara).