AN OLD BABYLONIAN TERRACOTTA MASK

CIRCA 1900-1750 B.C.

Details

AN OLD BABYLONIAN TERRACOTTA MASK
circa 1900-1750 b.c.
Depicting the grimacing head of the demon Humbaba the Terrible, depicted with large almond-shaped eyes under raised brows and thick hair, his mouth open, exposing his teeth, with thick lines encircling his nose and mouth, coiling at his chin
4 in. (11.4 cm) long

Provenance

Belgian Private Collection

Literature

, In de schaduw van Babel, De kunst van het Oude Nabije Oosten in Belgische verzamelingen, no.66, p. 56.

Lot Essay

Humbaba the Terrible was a demon who Gilgamesh had to confront on his journey to the Cedar Forest. Gilgamesh defeats Humbaba, but not before the demon curses Enkidu, Gilgamesh's travel partner, to an early death.

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