Lot 878
Terra Cotta Plaque of Humbaba. Old Babylonian, c. 2040-1595 BC. The plaque molded of a fairly fine grain pinkish-tan ware, with straw inclusions. The frontal image shows a grimacing male visage, with heavy brow, bug-eyes, and serpentine-like hair framing the mouth. Some light rubbing and edge chips, but overall very fine and sharp. Height: 3-3/8". A classic example of this Near Eastern monster. Rare.
Estimated Value $950 - 1,250.
Humbaba is a humanoid monster featured in the ancient "Epic of Gilgamesh." In the story Humbaba is a giant who guards the cedar forest in the Lebanon mountains. He is killed by the hero Gilgamesh and his friend Enkidu who journey to the forest to cut down cedar trees. Humbaba is sometimes shown with lion's claws, long hair, and a monstrous, hairy face.
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