Looking more extraterrestrial than human, the prominent eyes of two figures stare unblinkingly from this small alabaster statuette.
In the 1930s archaeologist Max Mallowan excavated hundreds of these figurines, measuring only a couple of inches tall, at a large ancient Mesopotamian site in northeastern Syria called Tell Brak. Appropriately named eye idols for their most pronounced feature, the figurines were found in a lavishly decorated temple that featured eye imagery in designs on the altar and in other interior carvings.
The figurines vary slightly in composition, and some have minimal decoration, such as carved lines or zigzags on the body, probably depicting clothing. They have been grouped into distinct types: those with only one pair of eyes (plain or decorated); those with three, four or six eyes on a single figure; those with a second, “child” figure carved on the front; and those on which the eyes have been completely drilled through.
The eye was a popular religious and magical symbol throughout the ancient Near East, but these eye idols seem to be unique to Tell Brak. Scholars believe they functioned as votives, possibly representing the worshipers who left them in the temple.
Looking more extraterrestrial than human, the prominent eyes of two figures stare unblinkingly from this small alabaster statuette.
You have already read your free article for this month. Please join the BAS Library or become an All Access member of BAS to gain full access to this article and so much more.
