Votive Statuette of Man

Much of Sumerian sculpture was used as ritual works for temples. Many of them were created in stone for durability, so that the owner of the portrait statue could continue their worship beyond their deaths. It was common for prayers to be inscribed in cuneiform on the work that dedicated it to a specific god. Because these statues were meant to pray in place of the owner, they presumably resembled him or her, or at least evidenced social status. Powerful men were depicted with elaborately braided beards while priests had shaved heads, a sign of purity and cleanliness. As was common throughout the ancient world, fine clothing was further a sign of wealth and rank.

This votive statue combines the beard and shaven head to tell us that this was a wealthy man who was both powerful and holy (much like the famous Gudea). His large eyes would have closely watched the god while his large ears could catch the divine words. These features have most likely been exaggerated by the artist to suggest the intent and purpose of the work.