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These large relief slabs show Assyrian officials with dress, hairstyle, and material culture that are also distinctively Assyrian. Archaeologists have found bracelets, armlets, and swords like these, which show that these representations were accurate in detail.

The elaborate sculptural decoration of King Sargon II's palace at Khorsabad was a visual expression of the power of the king and his empire. This larger-than-life-size relief comes from a wall just outside the throne room. Two court officials—who are beardless and, therefore, identifiable as eunuchs—are shown. The second figure motions to the line of tribute bearers that stood behind him to come forward with their gifts.

Tribute from Mushki

Name: Two Assyrian Officials

Material: Gypsum

Size:
Height: 2.5 m (8 ft 3 in)

Date: 721-705 BCE, Neo-Assyrian period

Place of Origin: Palace of Sargon II, Khorsabad, Iraq

Location: Oriental Institute Museum, Chicago, Illinois

Source and Registration#: Oriental Institute Museum A7366

Geoff Emberling

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