Terracottas
IB 1405
Two ostriches, facing each other.
IB 1436
Warrior with splaying beard and weapons.
IB 302
Two human figures, standing on a podium.
IB 1251
Naked woman en face, hands folded under her breasts, with necklace.
IB 1927
Above: bust of a man (Gilgamesh); below: central figure between others.
IB 1875
King, with broad-rimmed headdress, carries a decorated sheep or goat.
The sacrificer is identified by his typical headgear and rich outfit as the king.
IB 1956
Deified king facing a god holding the signs of power: rod and ring.
The deified king, characterised by his garment, is facing a seated divinity holding the signs of power: rod and ring.
The terracottas, plaques as well as figurines in the round, are a typical feature of the excavation and investigation of Isin, a city of huge importance especially in the 2nd mill. BCE, having produced a great number of these informative and detailed pictures.
Subjects include religious and domestic themes as well as animals; some terracottas have erotic illustrations.
Deities: Ancient Mesopotamia knew gods not only in the shape of monumental statues in temples, but also as private tutelary gods. These were used as motives on terracotta reliefs. Mythological creatures were also illustrated like the so-called Gilgamesh. Typical of the representation of gods were the pairs of horns on the headdress.
IB 1913
The „Laḫmu“ Hero wears his hair arranged symmetrically. The vase between his hands is indicating his association with the god Ea.
IB 1574
The hybrid creature has bull‘s ears and wears a horned cap.
IB 1431
The bearded deity wears a horned cap with four rows of horns on each side.
IB 1205
Ishtar as a warrior is characterized by many weapons.
The representation of the king could be unambiguous as well: He either wore the broad-rimmed headdress or the "Falbelgewand", that would make him distinguishable as the ruler.