What Was the Likely Function of the Sculptures of Tell

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The Answer is The sculptures of Tell Asmar, which date back to the Early Dynastic period of Mesopotamian history (circa 2900–2350 BCE), were most likely created for religious or ritual purposes. Tell Asmar, located in modern-day Iraq, was the site of the ancient Sumerian city of Eshnunna.

The most famous sculptures from Tell Asmar are the twelve statues found in the Square Temple's ruins during excavations in the 1930s. These statues are known as the Tell Asmar Hoard and are characterized by their wide eyes, clasped hands, and long beards on the male figures. The exaggerated eyes are often interpreted as representing the eternal wakefulness of the figures, allowing them to perpetually fulfill their function of worshipping the gods on behalf of the people they represent.

The likely function of these sculptures was to serve as votive figures, which were offerings placed in temples to stand in for donors and to pray perpetually to the gods. The figures vary in size, suggesting different levels of social status or the wealth of the individuals who commissioned them. The larger statues possibly represent higher-ranking individuals such as priests or rulers, while smaller ones may represent ordinary citizens.

These votive figures were intended to be placed before the shrine in the temple's inner sanctum, where the deity was believed to dwell. By having a physical representation in the temple, the donor could be seen as continually worshipping and showing devotion to the gods, thereby ensuring their favor and protection.

In summary, the sculptures of Tell Asmar were likely created to serve as votive offerings, representing individuals in perpetual prayer and devotion to the deities worshipped in the Sumerian city of Eshnunna.

What Was the Likely Function of the Sculptures of Tell

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