mask;
religious/ritual equipment
- Museum number
- 116624
- Description
-
Fired clay mask of the demon Humbaba; modelled features; five line cuneiform inscription on the back; 3+2ll.
- Production date
- 1800BC-1600BC
- Dimensions
-
Length: 3.31 inches
-
Width: 3.25 inches
- $Inscriptions
-
- 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).
- Location
- Not on display
- Exhibition history
-
2022 26 Mar-19 Jun, Lakeside Arts, University of Nottingham, Ancient Iraq
2020 7-18 Mar and 1 Sep-1 Nov, Newcastle upon Tyne, Great North Museum: Hancock, Ancient Iraq
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
- Acquisition date
- 1883
- Department
- Middle East
- BM/Big number
- 116624
- Registration number
- 1883,0118,AH.2598