Artwork Analysis Blog Post (Due September 4, 2020)


Uruk was significant in that it was the first major city in Sumer, as well as the place at with written language was used (as far as we can tell).

Uruk heralded their kings not just as royalty, but as shepherds and priests (the most dominant theories state that it was ruled by priests alone before the monarchy was established). This piece of art is believed to represent one of their so-called “priest-kings”, an iconic mark of this substantial historical era. Not much is known about this piece, as this was crafted at the beginning of history, but most debate lies around the hat or headband and what it represents. Notably, many of the other pieces crafted to represent Uruk “priest-kings” were also clad in this odd headwear for thus far indefinite reasons. The most prevalent theory is that it is a shepherd’s hat – a physical depiction of a king’s royal and priestly duties to their people. Some websites, such as Sumerian Shakespeare, have entire pages dedicated to this debate, as well as the nudity of the statuette. The previously stated Sumerian Shakespeare article, as well as the Louvre website, theorize the reasons for the nudity is to represent the preparation or participation in some sort of (probably spiritual in nature, as this is hypothesized to be a priest and not a king) ritual. This is said to present more of the priestly side of the kings because royalty would not be seen without clothing for its unbecomingness.

This debate highlights the high regard for spiritual figures such as priests and shepherds; they were so respected among their fellow Sumerians, they were akin to royalty and in some cases, did eventually become royalty. The similarity of their duties could also be made. Both priests and kings must attend to the needs of those who rely on them, whether to maintain their faith or quality of life.

 

Works Cited

Dr. Senta German, "Sumer, an introduction," in Smarthistory, June 8, 2018, accessed September 3, 2020, https://smarthistory.org/sumerian-art-an-introduction/.

The kings of uruk, the original shepherd kings. (n.d.). Retrieved September 04, 2020, from https://sumerianshakespeare.com/70701/507901.html

Work Statuette of a priest-king. (n.d.). Retrieved September 04, 2020, from https://www.louvre.fr/en/oeuvre-notices/statuette-priest-king

Comments

  1. CorinaSeptember 4, 2020 at 10:09 PM

    The mystery behind all the "unknown" artwork only makes me more interested. I really like how you provided several theories that people have about this piece. This statue sounds like it hold so much significance.

    ReplyDelete

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