Ancient Near Eastern

Statuettes from the Square Temple

These Sumerian statuettes, which were found in religious sites of worship, are dated to c. 2700 B.C. The figurines have clasped hands and wide eyes, as if they are in a permanent state of constant, diligent prayer. Their dress appears priestly, sacred. It is believed that they are votive figurines, meaning they are objects that are left at a temple by a worshiper as a form of prayer or worship. What stands out to me is that the statuettes are not solely male. Included with the priestly figures are priestesses. This shows that Sumerian women had (at least some) rights. Though many of the female carvings are smaller (an implication of being inferior) than their male counterparts, it is still a significant fact that Sumerian women were able to worship and pray alongside men.