USA (New York, The Met)

Assyrian Ivory Statuette of a Man with an Oryx from Nimrud

3118

Date Created: Circa 8th century BCE (specifically during the Neo-Assyrian period). 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.

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.