Clay Plate Mold; Mesopotamia, Babylon, 2000-1700 BC.
Clay plate mould; Mesopotamia, Babylonia, 2000-1700 BC.
Clay.
Provenance: Private Collection, Spain.
Measurements: 7.5 x 2 x 4.5 cm.
This clay mould shows the negative that would be stamped on the votive plaque. This negative is defined by a single figure in profile, with raised hands. The figure is wearing a large, rich ceremonial headdress, although not all the details are visible, with a bearded face, tiered skirt and sceptre, indicating that this is a representation of a monarch, or sovereign.
Clay plaques such as this one represented an art form available to a wide population. Their subject matter varies widely, including religious imagery, mythological and erotic scenes, and depictions of rulers and gods. During late antiquity, numerous objects and implements of a magico-religious nature were made in this region in connection with rituals aimed at controlling demonic forces. In contemporary texts there is a conceptual mix that combines biblical, popular Jewish, Hellenistic esoteric traditions and Mesopotamian religions, seeking to bring together the most powerful rituals and ideas from each tradition in order to increase the effectiveness of the struggle against evil spirit forces.
Estimate
Time, Location
Auction House
Clay plate mould; Mesopotamia, Babylonia, 2000-1700 BC.
Clay.
Provenance: Private Collection, Spain.
Measurements: 7.5 x 2 x 4.5 cm.
This clay mould shows the negative that would be stamped on the votive plaque. This negative is defined by a single figure in profile, with raised hands. The figure is wearing a large, rich ceremonial headdress, although not all the details are visible, with a bearded face, tiered skirt and sceptre, indicating that this is a representation of a monarch, or sovereign.
Clay plaques such as this one represented an art form available to a wide population. Their subject matter varies widely, including religious imagery, mythological and erotic scenes, and depictions of rulers and gods. During late antiquity, numerous objects and implements of a magico-religious nature were made in this region in connection with rituals aimed at controlling demonic forces. In contemporary texts there is a conceptual mix that combines biblical, popular Jewish, Hellenistic esoteric traditions and Mesopotamian religions, seeking to bring together the most powerful rituals and ideas from each tradition in order to increase the effectiveness of the struggle against evil spirit forces.
