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Relief depicting a eagle-headed protective spirit. Nimrud
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Relief depicting a eagle-headed protective spirit. Nimrud
Relief depicting a Eagle-headed protective spirit. 865-860 BC. From Northwest Palace. Nimrud. British Museum. London. United Kingdom
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Media ID 14322998
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Archaic Ashurnasirpal Assyria Assyrian Beak Container Creature Cuneiform Eagle Fantastic Fantastical Genius Gypsum Hands Iraq Kalhu Mesopotamia Mesopotamian Mythological Mythology Neo Assyrian Nimrud Northwest Panel Protection Protective Spirit
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This relief print depicts an eagle-headed protective spirit from the ancient city of Nimrud, which dates back to the 9th century BC. The relief is part of the Northwest Palace, located in the ancient Assyrian city of Kalhu, now known as Nimrud in modern-day Iraq. The relief is currently housed in the British Museum in London, United Kingdom. The eagle-headed spirit, with its fierce gaze and outstretched wings, is a common motif in ancient Mesopotamian art and mythology. The eagle head represents the divine power and protection of the gods, while the body of the spirit is depicted as a muscular human figure. The spirit is shown carrying a container in each hand, possibly symbolizing the power to give and receive life or the ability to bestow blessings. The relief is made of gypsum, a common building material in ancient Mesopotamia. The intricate details of the relief, including the cuneiform inscriptions and the fantastical features of the eagle head, demonstrate the advanced artistic skills of the Neo-Assyrian civilization. The eagle-headed protective spirit is believed to have been part of a larger panel, possibly depicting the great Assyrian king Ashurnasirpal II. The king is known to have commissioned extensive building projects, including the Northwest Palace, to showcase his power and wealth. The eagle-headed spirit would have been one of many mythological creatures and gods depicted on the palace walls, serving to awe and inspire those who entered the palace. This relief print offers a glimpse into the rich and fantastical world of ancient Mesopotamian art and mythology, transporting us back to a time when gods and spirits were believed to play an active role in the lives of mortals.
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