Old Babylonian or Old Elamite Periods , 2000-1750 BCE

(BLMJ 0174)

This head has a hollow channel inside, indicating that it was modeled on a stick or temporary stand. The wide ring at the base suggests that the head was not attached to anything else. Traces of red paint cover the face and headband while traces of black paint cover the hair and irises. The braid on her foreheas is parted and ends in small curls. Her features are finely executed and show the dimple in her chin.

There is some question whether this head is Mesopotamian or Elamite, since both areas have yielded many large sculptured terra-cotta heads and this head has characteristics of heads from both areas. As to the purpose of this bust, it is unknown. Funerary terra-cotta heads were found in vaulted brick tombs at Susa, dating to the early second millennium while others were found in houses.