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This head of a king is a small masterpiece of Mesopotamian art. Earlier royal sculpture made no attempt to portray the features of specific kings, but this strikingly sensitive portrayal shows an interest in the power of this particular individual.

Unfortunately, we do not know which king is represented. Stylistically, the head could fit into the Akkadian or Ur III periods (ca. 2350–2000 BCE). It would likely represent a local ruler of the city in which it was found.

King Neferhotep

Name: Head of a King

Material: Alabaster (gypsum), bitumen, blue paste (modern)

Size:
Height: 10.2 cm (4 in)
Width: 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
Depth: 7.6 cm (3 in)

Date: ca. 2100 BCE

Place of Origin: Bismaya (ancient Adab), Iraq

Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago, Illinois

Source and Registration#:
Oriental Institute Museum A173

Geoff Emberling

Former Chief Curator, Oriental Institute Museum of the University of Chicago