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Worshipper of Larsa

Worshipper of Larsa is a Mesopotamian statuette from the Paleo-Babylonian period, probably from the city of Larsa and dating to the first half of the second millennium BCE. It bears a Sumerian inscription and was dedicated to the god Amurru by Lu-Nanna for the life of the Paleo-Babylonian king Hammurabi. The figure, now in the Louvre (AO 15704), was acquired by the museum in 1931. Made of copper and gold, it shows a kneeling man with his hand before his mouth in a posture of prayer. The man is now generally identified as the dedicator Lu-Nanna rather than Hammurabi. The dedication highlights the growing importance of Amurru in Paleo-Babylonian religion.

Worshipper of Larsa kneeling figure with a raised hand and gold details on an oxidized green surface.
The Worshipper of Larsa shown as a kneeling figure with a raised hand, gold facial details, and an ornate rectangular base.
© · CC BY-SA 3.0 fr
Worshipper of Larsa, a kneeling ancient metal figure with a raised hand, gold-plated face and hands, and a small bowl on its base.
Worshipper of Larsa, shown as a kneeling figure with a raised hand and gilded facial details.
February 2024 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Worshipper of Larsa kneeling with one hand raised to its mouth, showing a dark bronze body and a golden face and beard.
Worshipper of Larsa, a kneeling bronze figure with a golden face and beard, displayed on a base with a small bowl-like object.
May 2016 © · CC BY-SA 2.0
Worshipper of Larsa, a kneeling ancient figure with a raised hand and green patinated surface.
The Worshipper of Larsa shown as a kneeling figure with a raised hand and patinated metal surface.
2014 © · Public domain
Detail of the Worshipper of Larsa showing a seated, turbaned figure with outstretched hands facing a kneeling figure with raised hands.
Detail from the Worshipper of Larsa, showing the seated figure on the left and a kneeling worshipper on the right.
September 2008 © University of Zurich · Public domain

Identification

TitleWorshipper of Larsa
Alternative titleSo-called Adorante di Larsa
Original French titleL'Adorant de Larsa
Object typeMesopotamian statuette

Historical context

PeriodOld Babylonian period (Paleo-Babylonian period), first half of the 2nd millennium BCE (c. 2004–1595 BCE)

Discovery and provenance

Acquisition date1931
Acquisition methodPurchased on the antiquities market after archaeological excavations at Larsa
FindspotLarsa
ProvenanceFrom clandestine excavations at Tell Senkereh, the ancient Larsa
OriginLarsa, possibly Tell Senkereh (ancient Larsa)

Creator

DedicatorA man named Lu-Nanna, believed to be an inhabitant of Larsa
DedicationDedicated to the god Amurru for the life of King Hammurabi
InscriptionSumerian inscription
King referencedHammurabi (reigned c. 1792–1750 BC)

Physical characteristics

Height19.6 cm
Length14.8 cm
Width7 cm

Materials

MaterialCopper with gold leaf gilding on the face, beard, and hands

Appearance

HeadgearA cap or hat similar to royal attire
Base decorationOne side shows the figure in front of a seated deity; the other side shows an ox or ram; the front has a small offering vase or projecting basin
Base inscriptionLong inscription identifying Amurru as the patron god of the Amorrites
Figure detailsA high-ranking man with a very finely depicted face
ConditionExceptionally well preserved
Depicted figureA bearded kneeling man, orant, with his hand raised to his mouth
PoseKneeling on his right knee in a prayer posture

Significance

Historical interpretationThe dedication attests to the growing importance of the god Amurru in Old Babylonian religion
Distinctive featureUnique in its workmanship

Location and ownership

Current locationRoom 227, Richelieu Wing, ground floor, Louvre Museum, Paris
Current ownerMusée du Louvre
Inventory numberAO 15704