Ancient Near Eastern Sumerian Uruk White Limestone Votive Statuette of a Reclining Young Bull Inlaid with Lapis Lazuli

Epoque: 3000 BC-2000BC

Origine: Near East, Sumerian

Medium: Limestone, Lapis

Dimension: 3 x 2.5 x 5.5 cm (1¹/₈ x 1 x 2¹/₈ inches)

Provenance: Ex Private collection Elie Boustrous Beirut, Lebanon, acquired 1920s
Ex Private London collection

cf: A similar example in the Berlin Staatlich Vorderasiatishes Museum: VA14536

Literature: Often found in tombs where they accompanied their owners, the inlays of lapis lazuli were intended to replicate the spots on the bull’s hide. The holes are either circular or crescent-shaped and the inlays deeply inserted into the limestone. Cattle, especially bulls, were highly valued and given as gifts during ceremonial events and religious rites. The Royal Palaces and temples had the best herds with several temples, especially at Enna in Uruk having great shrines dedicated to the goddess Inanna, the Queen of Heaven around which the Bulls congregated. Archaeologists believe that statuettes such as this were substitutes for  sacrificial animals. They were symbolic, perpetual votive offerings which celebrated the divinity, prompted answers to the worshippers prayers and ensured the continuing goodwill of the goddess.