I took these photographs in 2000 at the British Museum. Unfortunately, the photo quality isn’t too good, because I was using a disposable camera without a flash. I’ve tried to enhance then a bit in an image editor. Luckily I took some notes, so I can tell you a bit about them.
This is a panel depicting King Ashurnasirpal, flanked by eagle-headed protective spirits. It comes (as do the rest of these exhibits) from the North-West palace of Nimrud in Assyria, and dates somewhere between 865-860 B.C.
This panel, along with another, stood at the head of a room. The surviving walls of which were otherwize panelled entirely with eagle-headed spirits and sacred trees.
Eagle-headed protective spirit between saced trees. The sacred trees were completed on adjoining panels.
Four-winged protective spirit, holding a mace, guarding one of the doors to the royal throne room.
In this panel, king Ashurnasirpal appears twice, dressed in ritual robes and holding the mace symbolising authority. In front of him there is a sacred tree possibly symbolising life, and he makes a gesture of worship to a god in a winged mask. The god, who may be the sun god Shamash, has a ring in one hand; an ancient Mesopotamian symbol of god-given kingship. Protective spirits are on either side, placed behind the royal throne.
Protective spirit with branch and carrying a deer. Guarded one of the doors to the royal thone room.
Sacred Tree
Palace of Nimrud links
king Ashurnasirpal and the Northwest Palace at Nimrud
Nimrud Palace Reliefs at the British Museum
