Detail of Ashurnasirpal II and a Winged Genie Relief in the Brooklyn Museum, August 2007

King Ashur-nasir-pal II and a Winged Genie
Neo-Assyrian Period, reign of Ashur-nasir-pal II (circa 883-859 BC)
Iraq, Nimrud (Kalhu), from room H of the Northwest Palace
Accession # 55.155

We can distinguish Ashur-nasir-pal II from his protective genies by the king's unique crown. The basic design is a low tapering cap resembling a modern Turkish fez; it represents the ruler as chief official of the kingdom. The spike projecting from the top symbolizes the king as warrior, and the broad sash wrapped around the crown reflects his elevated status in Assyrian society. Here the king is shown holding a bow and a hunter's bow. The bowl was used for offering libations; the bow and bowl together may refer to a hunting ritual. Archaeological excavations throughout the ancient Near East have revealed numerous examples of real bowls of this type in copper, bronze, silver and gold.

Text from the Brooklyn Museum label.