Classification and Iconography of Neo-Assyrian Winged Gods/Angels

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
Mahila Mehrafarin 1
Mohammad Azamzadeh 2
1 University of Mazandaran
2 Associate Professor at University of Mazandaran
10.48311/eijh.31.1.64
Abstract
New Assyria constructed magnificent palaces and temples in its three capital cities, Kalho/Kalah (Nimrud), Dursharokin (Khorsabad), and Nineveh (Koyunjik), which were all adorned with exquisite reliefs. In addition to intimidating and influencing foreign nationals, they engaged in political-religious propaganda. The relief was regarded as one of the most significant works of Assyrian art used to embellish their magnificent government and religious buildings. In these reliefs, they depicted various scenes and subjects while emphasizing the king's and gods'/angels' authoritative presence. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to examine and identify these unique works of art through iconographic analysis of multiple themes. On the other hand, it is beneficial to comprehend the cultural and social conditions of the time by analyzing the scenes and themes in motifs. This study intends to examine scenes taking into account the significance of religion and especially gods/angels in society and the Assyrian court, and after classifying the various scenes of the winged god/angels in the reliefs of the palaces of Kalho, Dursharokin, and Nineveh, providing an archaeological and artistic description of them, and analyzing the icons using the iconography method. How are the scenes in the reliefs of New Assyria classed thematically, and what is the method for iconographically analyzing the depictions of gods and angels? This research is a type of fundamental research based on its nature and approach; it is a type of historical and analytic research, and its method and instrument for information collection are documentary.

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The International Journal of Humanities
Volume 31, Issue 1
Winter 2024
Pages 64-89