Ancient Mesopotamian votive statues were offerings created by the Sumerians during the Early Dynastic Period (c. 2900–2350 BCE). These small figures, such as the standing male worshipper from the Square Temple at Eshnunna (modern Tell Asmar), were placed in temples and shrines as offerings to the gods. Votives are not unique to Mesopotamia. They appear across cultures, from Inka silver and gold figurines to Buddhist stone tablets to Christian icons and crowns. Learn more about what votives are in this video.

This video is perfect for anyone interested in:

• Mesopotamia and Sumer

• Ancient civilization

• History of religion

• Ancient West Asia

• Art History

Speaker: Dr. Lauren Kilroy-Ewbank

CHAPTERS

0:00 Gifts for the gods 0:16 What is a votive?

0:55 A standing male worshipper figure from the Square Temple in Eshnunna (Tell Asmar)

1:27 Sumerian gods and votives

2:03 Votives in other traditions

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Check out our entire glossary of art history: https://www.artsq.org/about-key-terms-ideas-art-history