Ancient Near East (Votive Figures)

The Votive Figures date back from 2900-2600 B.C.E. These figures were made of limestone; they were excavated from the Square Temple in Eshnunna (which is present day Tell Asmar, Iraq). These Sumerian sculptors were experts in the materials used to create such art. They would combine precious metals with other material to achieve authentic Sumerian art pieces. The sculptors from these times wanted to follow Sumerian art to a T. The figures have stylized their faces and bodies, dressed in clothing that show off its shape. By sculpting these figures in the way a worshipper stands, hands folded and arms across the chest, these figures are ready to approach their god in the way they were made to do. The Votive Figures are of men and women that are related to the Near Eastern devotional practice where the worshippers would sculpt images of themselves in a shrine and place them in front of an even larger image of the god they were worshipping. The figures hold many people, each with diverse qualities. The Votive Figures demonstrate the “One Who Offers Prayers;” each figure has different heights, clothes, faces, and shape.

By taking a close look at these figures we see the incredible attention to detail on their faces. The men all have a similar beard and hairstyle while the woman and treated the same with similar hair. Each face on the figures are so meticulous that we as a viewer know that so much time and effort went into each figure. I am intrigued to know what kind of tools and instruments were being used to achieve such a thorough look on their faces. Even the facial expressions have such happiness and thought-provoking ideas for us to question. I sense a lot of skill is needed to accomplish this sort of great exhaustive work.

Each figure is placed on a pedestal, and my first initial thought is that the figures were sculpture from a block of stone. There is a piece on the largest figure where there are markings on the base.  I am not sure what it means and/or what it is exactly. I get the sense of great ability and aptitude from the artist, or artists, to sculpt such detailed work. Each figure has a significant different size than the others and the impression I receive is that the artist does not allow size to hinder his or her work.  The precision and skill to create the smaller statues is incredible and I feel much effort and passion has gone into it. To create these statues that symbolize faith and devotion to a higher power, the artist must show the same amount of devotion to these figures.

            I find the subtle hand folding of the figures to be made quite beautifully. By ones’ self, a figure would look like a simple man or woman but combining twelve of these figures we get the sense of worship and praise.  There is one figure that stands out the most to me and it is the figure that is kneeling on the ground with no stone base. This figure is different from the rest by the base and head gear. I feel that this figure is one of a kind and perhaps the start of a whole new set of votive figures that the artist did not get around to.