Ancient Syrian Eye Idol, ca. 3500 – 3300 BC · North Mesopotamia – Northeastern Syria, Tell Brak · ID: 3052673
Royal-Athena Galleries, “Art of the Ancient World”, 2007, no 247
German Private Collection
Description
limestone, base
In the 3rd millennium BC, Tell Brak was one of the most important cities in northern Mesopotamia and controlled the trade route from the Tigris to Anatolia.
The remains of Tell Brak were systematically excavated and documented in 1937 and 1938 by Max Mallowan. In a building there, now referred to as the “Eye Temple”, he uncovered hundreds of these idols, which worshippers presumably once deposited as votive offerings.
Mallowan interpreted the form of the eye idols as representing the Sumerian fertility goddess “Inanna in", who was presumably venerated in the Eye Temple. Another interpretation views the wide-open eyes as a symbol of the worshippers’ attentiveness before the gods.
Notices
This object is subject to the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Export documents are required for export (subjected to a fee).