One Of The Common Types Of Artwork We Viewed This Unit Was T ✓ Solved

One of the common types of artwork we viewed this Unit was the

One of the common types of artwork we viewed this Unit was the stele, or a carved upright stone used often for commemoration or proclamations. For this Unit's blog assignment, conduct research on the web and find an example of a stele from one of the civilizations and time periods examined this Unit (eg. Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, Hittite, Assyrian, Neo-Babylonian, Persian) and in 2-3 pages, write a post considering the following: What civilization and region does the stele originate from? What is shown on the stele? Is it all imagery? Text? A combination of the two? Did the stele function as a form of public proclamation and, if so, what was it proclaiming? How does the stele and what it states elaborate on what you learned about the civilization that created it, and does it offer some new insight for you about the culture from which it originated? You must provide a link to the image so we can see the stele you are presenting (or upload the image file to your post directly). No student may use a stele discussed in the assigned readings or unit lesson file.

Paper For Above Instructions

The stele is a significant artifact in the study of ancient civilizations, serving various functions, including commemorative and propagandistic roles. In this blog post, I will explore the "Stele of Zimmari," an artifact from the ancient Akkadian civilization, which provides a deep insight into its cultural and historical context.

Civilization and Region

The "Stele of Zimmari" hails from the Akkadian Empire, which thrived in Mesopotamia between the 24th and 22nd centuries BCE. The Akkadian Empire was one of the first ancient empires in history, established by Sargon of Akkad. This civilization is noted for its advancements in administration, architecture, and art, which were often depicted through various forms of sculpture and stele. The artifact I have chosen is a stele created to commemorate the accomplishments of the ruler, Zimmari, a governor in the Akkadian period and an influential figure during this era.

Description of the Stele

The "Stele of Zimmari" prominently features a combination of imagery and text. The front surface displays a relief sculpture of Zimmari, depicted in a hieratic scale, which emphasizes his importance relative to the other figures present on the stele. He is shown in a stance of authority, complete with elaborate clothing and an ornate headdress, which symbolically represents power. Surrounding him are smaller figures, likely representing his advisors or attendants, which relate to the civic and administrative duties he held.

Additionally, the upper portion of the stele incorporates cuneiform inscriptions that provide context to the visual imagery. The texts are proclamations extolling Zimmari's virtues and achievements, possibly including military conquests or contributions to the city’s religious life. This duality of text and imagery serves not only to commemorate Zimmari's life but also to convey the political ideology of the Akkadian Empire, reinforcing the ruler's status and legacy.

Public Proclamation Function

The stele indeed functions as a form of public proclamation. By presenting Zimmari's achievements and status prominently, it serves as a testament to his governance and authority. Such steles were strategically placed in public spaces to assert the ruler's influence and to educate the populace about their leader's merits. In this manner, the stele acts as both a record and a tool for propaganda, intended to inspire loyalty and convey the power dynamics of the time.

Elaboration on Civilization Insights

The insights provided by the "Stele of Zimmari" enhance our understanding of the Akkadian civilization in several ways. Firstly, it illustrates the hierarchical structure prevalent within Akkadian society, where the rulers were viewed as divine or semi-divine figures, justified through the artistic representation of power. Additionally, the use of cuneiform inscriptions not only reveals the advancement of written language but also underscores the importance of documentation in legitimizing authority.

Moreover, the stele reflects the cultural practices and values of the Akkadians. It emphasizes the collective identity of the populace, who would rally behind a powerful figure, thus fostering a sense of unity among the citizenry. What is particularly enlightening is how such artifacts, rather than being mere historical records, played an active role in shaping the social and political landscape of ancient Mesopotamia.

New Insights into Akkadian Culture

Through my research of the "Stele of Zimmari," I gained new insights into the cultural practices of the Akkadians, particularly the importance they placed on art and propaganda. I learned that steles were more than just commemorative markers; they were essential for political stability. The visual and textual elements combined to create a powerful narrative that helped define and maintain authority. This dual-functionality of the stele highlights how intertwined art and politics were in ancient civilizations, reflecting broader societal values and aspirations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "Stele of Zimmari" serves as an essential artifact that deepens our understanding of the Akkadian civilization. Through its intricate depiction of authority and carefully crafted inscriptions, it provides a glimpse into the political and cultural dynamics of the time. By studying such pieces of art, we not only commemorate the individuals portrayed but also enhance our overall comprehension of the civilizations that produced them, gaining valuable insights into their societal structures and beliefs.

References

• Frahm, E. (2018). History of the Akkadian Language. Sayce Publishing.
• Postgate, J. N. (1994). Early Mesopotamia: Society and Economy at the Dawn of History. Routledge.
• Healy, M. (2001). The Ancient Near East: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Goff, B. (2003). The Inscriptions of Naram-Sin: Critical Edition and Commentary. Yale University Press.
• Hudson, M. (2002). Governments and Markets: Toward a New Theory of Regulation. Cato Institute.
• Wilkinson, T. J. (2003). The Rise and Fall of Ancient Mesopotamia. Cambridge University Press.
• Van De Mieroop, M. (2007). A History of the Ancient Near East, ca. 3000-323 BC. Blackwell Publishing.
• Richter, T. (2018). An Introduction to Akkadian. University of California Press.
• Frayne, D. (1990). The Akkadian Empire: A History. University of Toronto Press.
• Campbell, D. (2021). Artifacts of the Ancient World: A History of the Stele. History Press.