Neo-Sumerian art
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Neo-Sumerian art is a period in the art of Mesopotamia made during the Third Dynasty of Ur or Neo-Sumerian period, c. 2112 BC – c. 2004 BC, in Southern Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). It is known mostly for the revival of the Sumerian stylistic qualities and was centered around royalty and divinity.
The art of the Neo-Sumerian period was also influenced by the Akkadians, whose period of rule preceded this. Many large temples and ziggurats were built in this period, most of which possessed monumental staircases. These staircases were probably thought to be used by divinity, for ascending and descending between heaven and Earth. The temple at the bottom of the stairs was created as a home for the god/gods that the temple worshiped. As for Neo-Sumerian sculptures, the many prayer statues of Gudea were the most common for this period, although in fact his reign ended a few years before the Third Dynasty of Ur. Usually these statues would present the patesi (see also, Ensi), with a shaved head and face, and wearing a monk like robe. The statues of human figures of the Neo-Sumerian period were known for their distinct eyebrows, lips, and fingers. Overall, the architecture, as well as the sculpture of the Neo-Sumerians, presented a strong theme of serene majesty and intense religious fervor. Other themes that were characteristic of Neo-Sumerian art are the themes of force and power, the creation of a strong capital, and religious ceremonial artifacts.[1][2]