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Terracotta: AN1949.920

Object: Semi-circular plaque

Period: Bronze Age: Akkadian to Old Babylonian Period

Dimensions: H: 9.9cm. W: 8cm.

Region: Sumer

Description: with the bust of a goddess in relief; straight base; mouldmade; baked; cream slip on reddish-pink fabric; the plaque is complete and has a slightly concave lower edge which, on a suitable surface, allows it to stand vertically. The area behind the head is decorated with horizontal bands of incisions, perhaps to represent a basketry or woven (textile); backing, perhaps curtains; she wears a single-pair of horns on her headdress; her hair, dressed into three-part locks, falls on either side of her face; large pendant earrings flank a three-stringed choker necklace; then, below it, five rows of larger beads ornament the upper chest, framed by the draped sleeves of the garment with its patterned borders which are kept in this position by her arms held level at the shoulders; each hand grasps the hilt of a curved sword flourished on either side of her head; there is no trace of ornamentation on the garment below the necklaces. This type is often referred to as "goddess within a structure".

Reference: ANET-23Bronze1MesII-Catalogue-2.

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