Inside of the Metropolitan Museum of Art two large statues stand at the entrance of the Ancient Near East. These statues are Neo-Assyrian Sphinxes or the Mesopotamian equivalent. The Neo-Assyrian influence over Mesopotamia lasted from the ninth century to the sixth century. The primary function of the statues is not aesthetic. Royally commissioned art during the Neo-Assyrian period was responsible for maintaining and spreading the influence of rulers. They are protectors of the King of Assyria. The figures are deities called Lamassu, tasked with protecting the King from natural or supernatural dangers, while showing the great wealth and power of the ruler. The Lamassu displayed at the MET are dated between 883-859 BCE. This is during the
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Excavations of the site lasted until 1949. Many artifacts were removed from the Royal structures. Sadly the site was obliterated by ISIL in 2015 since it was non-Islamic. The two Lamassu at the entrance of the palace were removed by British Sir Austen Layard in 1849. The two pieces were exchanged between many wealthy individuals. J.D. Rockefeller bought the Lamassu in 1927. Rockefeller gifted the Lamassu to the MET in 1932, where they remain. In the MET the Lamassu are appropriately placed at the entrance of the Near Eastern exhibition. This location almost resembles their original …show more content…
This material was used on the walls of important structures. The choice of material complement the importance of these pieces because of the expensive and labor intensive work to carve and transport them. They are 3.1 meters high, 2.7 meters wide, and weighing 7257.4 kg. Slight differences can be notes between the two Lamassu. The one displayed on the right is a mixture of a bull body, large feathered wings, and a human head. The legs, torso, and tail represent a bull. The large, but thin feathered wings emerge from the front of the torso, reaching back to the rear. The human head wears a tall rounded helmet, with six horns emerging from the back of the head and hug the front of the helmet. Underneath the helmet are long wavy locks of hair. A long wavy groomed beard and mustache are located on the face. The Lamassu have a similar hairstyle to Mesopotamian nobles during the time of its creation. Two ear rings are also present on these
Excavations of the site lasted until 1949. Many artifacts were removed from the Royal structures. Sadly the site was obliterated by ISIL in 2015 since it was non-Islamic. The two Lamassu at the entrance of the palace were removed by British Sir Austen Layard in 1849. The two pieces were exchanged between many wealthy individuals. J.D. Rockefeller bought the Lamassu in 1927. Rockefeller gifted the Lamassu to the MET in 1932, where they remain. In the MET the Lamassu are appropriately placed at the entrance of the Near Eastern exhibition. This location almost resembles their original …show more content…
This material was used on the walls of important structures. The choice of material complement the importance of these pieces because of the expensive and labor intensive work to carve and transport them. They are 3.1 meters high, 2.7 meters wide, and weighing 7257.4 kg. Slight differences can be notes between the two Lamassu. The one displayed on the right is a mixture of a bull body, large feathered wings, and a human head. The legs, torso, and tail represent a bull. The large, but thin feathered wings emerge from the front of the torso, reaching back to the rear. The human head wears a tall rounded helmet, with six horns emerging from the back of the head and hug the front of the helmet. Underneath the helmet are long wavy locks of hair. A long wavy groomed beard and mustache are located on the face. The Lamassu have a similar hairstyle to Mesopotamian nobles during the time of its creation. Two ear rings are also present on these