USA (New York, The Met)

Assyrian Ivory Statuette of a Man with an Oryx from Nimrud

3117

Date Created: Circa 8th century BCE (specifically during the Neo-Assyrian period, matching the height of the Assyrian Empire's imperial expansion). Period: The Neo-Assyrian Period (circa 911–609 BCE), an era characterized by monumental royal building programs, extensive military campaigns, and the accumulation of vast tribute and luxury goods from across the Near East.

Tribute Figurine / Architectural Furniture Inlay: Originally attached to a long ivory plinth and displayed in arched wall niches at Fort Shalmaneser, these statuettes likely formed part of a symbolic procession representing foreign vassal states bringing tribute and exotic animals to the Assyrian king. Symbol of Imperial Hegemony and Wealth: The display of foreign tribute items (exotic beasts, rare skins, and precious ivory) served as physical manifestations of Assyrian global dominion, royal prestige, and the subjugation of foreign lands.