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This statue is a worshipper, with hands clasped in a gesture of prayer and wide eyes representing attentiveness to the gods. Worshipper figures represent the elite of early Mesopotamia.

Some scholars in the early twentieth century thought that the differences in clothing and hairstyle among worshipper figures represented ethnic difference. We now think that they represent different roles within early Mesopotamian cities.

This bearded figure may have been a member of the king’s family, as kings and heroes were commonly represented with beards.

Bald Mesopotamian Worshipper Figure

Name: Bearded Mesopotamian Worshipper Figure

Material: Gypsum inlaid with shell and black limestone

Size:
Height: 55 cm (1 ft 10 in)

Date: 2900-2600 BCE, Early Dynastic period

Place of Origin: Tell Asmar, Iraq

Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago, Illinois

Source and Registration#: Oriental Institute Museum A12331

Geoff Emberling

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