Assyrian Hell Plaque
Name/Title
Assyrian "Hell Plaque"Entry/Object ID
06NE10105Description
Relief scenes on plaque with figurine peering over the top. The upper most register displays the different gods involved with healing: the sun of Shamash, the crescent moon of Sin, the lightning bolt of Adad, and the winged disc of Ashur. In the second register, seven animal-headed spirits guard the door to a bedchamber. In the third register, the patient is depicting lying on a bed, flanked by two priests, who are aided by three animal spirits. The lower register depicts the demoness Lamashtu who is holding snakes and suckling lion cubs while riding a donkey on a boat. Overlooking the plaque is the demon Pazuzu.Type of Sculpture
StatuetteArtwork Details
Medium
ResinContext
The 'Hell Plaque' is in actuality a healing plaque illustrating an exorcism of the evil demi-goddess Lamashtu. Often called "she who erases," her primary victims included pregnant women, women in labour, and young children. Lamashtu was blamed for the deaths of children and mothers, poisoning water, killing plants, and causing nightmares. She was also believed to consume the flesh and drink the blood of adult men. This plaque was used as a protective amulet and hung in the room of of sick or ailing people to ward of sickness and death caused by Lamashtu. The bottom register shows the terrifying image of Lamashtu with the head of a lioness, the teeth and ears of a donkey, and the talons of a bird of prey. Running behind her in the scene and peeking over the top of the plaque is her husband the demon Pazuzu, who could drive Lamashtu back to the underworld, thereby bringing swift recovery to the patient.Made/Created
Date made
934 BCE - 612 BCETime Period
Iron AgeEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Near Eastern - Assyrian