Tablet of Shamash
by Weston Westmoreland
Title
Tablet of Shamash
Artist
Weston Westmoreland
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Tablet of Shamash,Babylonia, c.880 BC.
The Tablet of Shamash, or Sun-god tablet, is a limestone stele found in the ancient Babylonian city of Sippar (now southern Iraq). It is dated to the reign of King Nabu-apla-iddina ca. 888 – 855 BC.
The tablet was found complete but broken into two large and six small pieces. By the time of King Nabopolassar, between 625 and 605 BC, it had broken into four parts and been repaired. The terracotta coffer also contained two clay impressions of the tablets presentation scene. The coffer was sealed under an asphalt temple floor. This indicates that the tablet was an item of reverence, possibly stored due to newer traditions.
The scene sculptured in relief at the head of the tablet represents Nabu-aplu-iddina being led by the priest Nabu-nadin-shum and the goddess Aa into the presence of the Sun-god, who is seated within Ebabbara. Before the god is the solar disc, resting upon an altar which is supported by ropes held by attendant deities, whose bodies spring from the roof of the shrine.
In the field above the Sun-god, and within the shrine, are a lunar disc, a solar disc and an eight-pointed star, the symbols of Sin, Shamash and Ishtar. The god wears a horned headdress and carries the ringed rod in his right hand. The shrine is represented as resting on the heavenly ocean.
The engraved text contains a record of Nabu-apla-iddina's re-endowment of the Sun-Temple at Sippar. The inscription is engraved in six columns, three upon the obverse and three upon the reverse; and the upper part of the obverse is occupied by a scene sculptured in low relief.
More amazing images from Ancient Civilizations one copy-paste away at https://weston-westmoreland.pixels.com/collections/ancient+civilizations
Weston Westmoreland.
Uploaded
October 10th, 2022
Statistics
Viewed 67 Times - Last Visitor from Oakville, ON - Canada on 04/24/2024 at 5:27 AM
Embed
Share
Sales Sheet