ADVENT STAG FIGURINE

Advent Calendar Day 6

 
Bronze figurine of a stag on a stand

   

Bronze Figurine of a Stag (626–539 BCE)

In 612 BCE, the kingdom of Babylonia – with the help of allies – successfully overthrew the Assyrian empire. For several decades after the Babylonians dominated the region, drawing attention to their illustrious past to legitimise their rule.

The ancient city of Kish, to the east of the city of Babylon, was revered as the place where the gods had established kingship. Babylonian kings refurbished some of the city’s ancient temples and the city flourished.

This little bronze stag, just 14cm tall, is a rare example of a metal sculpture made to decorate important buildings at Kish.

The stag, portrayed in a variety of media, has a long history in the art of the ancient Middle East. A powerful animal, it is associated with both male royal power and divinity.

Animal Figurine of a Stag (626–539 BCE)
14.2cm tall
Bronze
AN1924.317

See it on display, in the Ancient Middle East gallery on the Ground Floor.