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HOME :
Near Eastern Art :
Hittite Art : Syrio-Hittite Sculpture of a Deity
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Syrio-Hittite Sculpture of a Deity - PF.5816
Origin: Syria
Circa: 1600
BC
to 1200
BC
Dimensions:
2.5" (6.4cm) high
x 1.125" (2.9cm) wide
Collection: Biblical
Medium: Bronze
$8,600.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
The Hittite Empire first emerged in central
Anatolia in the 2nd millennium B.C. By 1340,
they had become one of the dominant powers in
Mesopotamia. Under King Suppiluliumas I (c.
1380-c. 1346 BC), the empire reached its height.
Except for a successful campaign in
southwestern Anatolia, Suppiluliumas' military
career was devoted to the establishment of a firm
Hittite foothold in Syria. The struggle against the
Egyptians for domination over Syria continued
during the reign of Muwatallis (c. 1320-c. 1294
BC) culminating in one of the greatest battles of
the ancient world, which took place at Kadesh on
in 1299 BC. Although Ramses II claimed a great
victory, the result was probably more even,
leading towards an ultimate peace treaty, a
mutual defense pact, and interdynastic marriages
to seal the bond. Although much of Hittite
civilization remains mysterious and lost to time,
perhaps a picture of their greatness can be
discerned if one considers that even Ramses the
Great found it more beneficial to be their ally
rather than their foe.
The diminutive size of this sculpture conceals its
tremendous power. Forged in an era where
bronze was more precious than gold, the value
of this piece in antiquity is evident. Most likely,
this sculpture was a personal idol that would
have been worshiped in the house, attached to a
wooden base that has deteriorated over the
ages. Perhaps this idol represented the great
ancient Middle Eastern deity Baal, the god of rain
and fertility. Perhaps this is a representation of a
past king who became a divinity in his death.
While the function of this work is as mysterious
as many aspects of the Hittites themselves, we
can begin to determine the scope of their
greatness through this idol. When held in our
hands, we are transported to another time and
place, overwhelmed by the ancient spiritual
energy that radiates from within this work.
- (PF.5816)
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