Assyrian Relief: Winged Spirit or Apkallu and Sacred Tree from Kalhu (Nimrud), Iraq; Northwest Palace, Room T, panel 6
Creation Date
ca. 875 BCE - 860 BCE
Century
9th century BCE
Dimensions
91 7/16 in. x 73 3/16 in. x 5 7/16 in. (232.2 cm. x 185.9 cm. x 13.8 cm.)
Classification
Sculpture
Creation Place
Ancient Near East, Assyria
Medium and Support
gypsum (Mosul alabaster)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Henri Byron Haskell, Medical School Class of 1855. Critical support for the Assyrian Collection at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art is provided by the Yadgar Family Endowment.
Copyright
Public Domain
Accession Number
1860.4
The winged figure, apkallu, is often mentioned in Assyrian texts. With magical and protective powers, he serves to guard the king and his realm. The horned crown announces his divinity, though his portrait bears an uncanny resemblance to Ashurnasirpal himself. He holds a bucket in his left hand, while in his right, he sprinkles a sacred tree using a “purifier,” resembling the spathes, or flower sheaths, from the date palm.
The spirit wears a tasseled kilt and richly embroidered robe, and projects a powerful pose. Tucked into the folds of his robe are two daggers and a whetstone for sharpening the blades. Armlets and rosette-bracelets wrap around the figure’s arms and wrists.
Critical support for the Assyrian Collection at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art is provided by the Yadgar Family Endowment.
Additional Media
recto
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