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religious/ritual equipment / mask
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Object type
Museum number
116624
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Description
Fired clay mask of the demon Humbaba; modelled features; five line cuneiform inscription on the back; 3+2ll.
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Culture/period
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Date
- 1800BC-1600BC
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Findspot
- Excavated/Findspot: Abu Habba
- (Asia,Iraq,South Iraq,Abu Habba (Sippar))
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Materials
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Technique
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Dimensions
- Width: 3.25 inches
- Length: 3.31 inches
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Inscriptions
Inscription Type
inscriptionInscription Script
cuneiformInscription Language
AkkadianInscription Translation
If the coils of the colon resemble the head of Huwawa, (this is) an omen of Sargon who ruled the land. If ...., the house of a man will expand. (Written by) the hand of Warad-Marduk, diviner, son of Kubburum, diviner.
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Curator's comments
This is usually believed to represent the face of Huwawa (or Humbaba), a giant slain by Gilgamesh. It also represents the intestines of a sheep examined for divination, and this fantastic conformation is said to have been found by Sargon of Agade, to whom it foretold dominion over the land. Primary publication by Sidney Smith in the 'Liverpool Annals of Archaeology and Anthropology' vol. 11 (1924), p.107ff (but with incorrect reading of diviner's name).
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Bibliography
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Location
On display: G56/dc22
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Exhibition history
Exhibited:
2013 3 Nov - 2014 21 Apr, Herne, LWL Museum fur Archaologie, 'Uruk: 5000 Years of the Megacity'
2013 25 Apr - 8 Sep, Berlin, Vorderasiatisches Museum, 'Uruk: 5000 Years of the Megacity'
2000, Barcelona, 'Foundation of the City'
1996 14 Jun-29 Sep, London, The British Library, The Mythical Quest -
Subjects
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Associated names
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Acquisition name
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Acquisition date
1883
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Acquisition notes
Excavated for or by Rassam. Reference in register for collection: Inventories volume (1878-82), ? and p.75.
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Department
Middle East
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BM/Big number
116624
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Registration number
1883,0118,AH.2598
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Object reference number: WCO2647
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