Overview
The lecture analyzes the Victory Stele of Naram-Sin, an ancient Akkadian relief sculpture, focusing on its composition, symbolism, and historical significance.
Historical Context
- The stele was made around 2200 BCE, about 4,200 years ago.
- Naram-Sin was the great-great-grandson of Sargon, founder of the Akkadian dynasty.
- The stele commemorates Naram-Sin’s victory over the Lullubi, mountain people from eastern Mesopotamia.
Artistic Composition
- Unlike typical Mesopotamian art, this scene is not divided into horizontal registers but has a diagonal composition.
- Naram-Sin is depicted at the top, leading his disciplined army up a mountain.
- The left shows soldiers in ordered ranks; the right shows chaos among the defeated Lullubi.
Symbolism and Interpretation
- Naram-Sin is the tallest figure, emphasizing his importance and divinity (hieratic scale).
- Most figures, including the defeated, direct their gaze towards Naram-Sin, making him the composition's focal point.
- The vanquished are shown in various states of defeat: falling, trampled, wounded, or fleeing and pleading.
- The scene uses symbolic language rather than naturalistic representation.
- Naram-Sin wears a horned helmet, a symbol of divinity in Akkadian culture.
- Suns or stars at the top symbolize divine forces aiding Naram-Sin’s victory.
- The ascension to the mountaintop visually supports Naram-Sin's association with the gods.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stele — an upright stone slab or pillar, often carved with reliefs or inscriptions.
- Relief sculpture — a sculptural technique where the sculpted elements remain attached to a solid background.
- Registers — horizontal bands used to organize scenes in ancient art.
- Hieratic scale — a technique in art where the most important figure is depicted as the largest.
- Horned helmet — in Akkadian art, a symbol indicating divinity or godlike status.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review notes on Akkadian art and symbolism for upcoming exam.
- Read assigned textbook section on Mesopotamian relief sculpture.