Temple Ritual Scene from Hatra

Illustration

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
by
published on 04 June 2019
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Temple Ritual Scene from Hatra Download Full Size Image

This limestone slab was carved in prominent sunken relief and depicts a temple ritual scene. A male figure wearing the head cap of Hatrene kings (very probably Sanatruq I who reigned c. 140 - 180 CE), holds a small bowl in his left hand while putting incense into the censer on his right side using his right hand.

An eagle is perched on the middle arm of a trident object atop a standard of five discs (only the upper disc depicts a male figure with radiating lines from his head). Besides the standard, a small Aramaic inscription of two words can be recognized (Smiya Makna, which translates to the flag of discs). Above Sanatruq I, a winged female deity holds rings of blessing in her hands. The scene is encompassed by columns and an Iwan-like arc. On both sides of the arc, a winged female deity also appears. Above the arc, there is a frieze of acanthus plant and turret-like triangular structure.

From Hatra, Ninawa Governorate, Iraq. Parthian period, 2nd century CE. On display at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad, Republic of Iraq.

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About the Author

Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Amin, O. S. M. (2019, June 04). Temple Ritual Scene from Hatra. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10853/temple-ritual-scene-from-hatra/

Chicago Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Temple Ritual Scene from Hatra." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified June 04, 2019. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/10853/temple-ritual-scene-from-hatra/.

MLA Style

Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Temple Ritual Scene from Hatra." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 04 Jun 2019. Web. 10 Oct 2024.

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