6.1 Sumerian Art: Ziggurats, Votive Sculptures, and Cylinder Seals

Sumerian architecture and religious art were central to their culture. Ziggurats, massive stepped pyramids, served as divine dwellings and city centers. Votive sculptures and cylinder seals reflected religious beliefs and social hierarchy.

These artistic elements showcase Sumerian innovation and spirituality. Ziggurats connected earth and heaven, while votive sculptures and seals provided insights into daily life, mythology, and the development of writing systems.

Sumerian Architecture and Religious Art

Architecture of Sumerian ziggurats

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• Massive stepped pyramids constructed with mud bricks and outer layer of fired bricks for durability
• Square or rectangular base with multiple levels (3-7) creating terraced appearance (Great Ziggurat of Ur)
• Accessed by staircases along sides or spiral configuration led to shrine at top level
• Considered dwelling places for gods connecting earth and heaven symbolized cosmic mountain
• Each city boasted unique ziggurat dedicated to patron deity (Eanna in Uruk for Inanna)
• Priests performed rituals and made offerings at top shrine to ensure divine favor
• Served as center of religious, economic, and administrative activities for city-states

Characteristics of Sumerian votive sculptures

• Small-scale stone figurines depicted worshippers in prayer poses with large wide-open eyes (Standing Male Worshipper from Tell Asmar)
• Hands clasped in front of chest, simplified geometric forms, lack of individualized features
• Often inscribed with dedicatory texts to specific deities (Gudea statues)
• Placed in temples as permanent stand-ins for worshippers demonstrated continuous prayer
• Provided insights into Sumerian religious practices and beliefs
• Reflected social hierarchy through quality and size of sculptures (royal vs commoner offerings)

Function of Sumerian cylinder seals

• Made impressions on clay tablets and jar stoppers served as personal signatures or official marks
• Authenticated documents and sealed property indicated ownership prevented tampering
• Carved with intricate scenes and symbols in reverse relief (Seal of Ur-Nammu)
• Depicted religious, mythological, and daily life scenes (gods, worshippers, animals)
• Common motifs included deities (Inanna), mythical creatures (lamassu), geometric patterns
• Evolved from simple designs to complex narrative scenes over time
• Provided glimpse into Sumerian mythology and religious beliefs
• Reflected social status and profession of owner acted as protective amulets
• Contributed to development of Sumerian writing system through pictographic representations