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Document Details : Title: Monkeys for Ashur Subtitle: Exploring the Representations of Primates in Assyria Author(s): URBANI, Bernardo , YOULATOS, Dionisios Journal: Ancient Near Eastern Studies Volume: 60 Date: 2023 Pages: 389-437 DOI: 10.2143/ANES.60.0.3292580 Abstract : Although there are several studies investigating the relation of Assyrians with exotic and domestic animals, none have dealt with a thorough investigation regarding primates in this Near Eastern society. The present study fills this gap by examining the depictions of primates in Assyrian material culture. Our analysis shows that monkeys deriving from both Africa (vervets and baboons) and Asia (macaques) were depicted in furniture elements, statuettes, seals/sealings, pendants and panels from the Old Assyrian until the Neo-Assyrian period. This iconography, in combination with geographic and literary evidence, underscores the importance of primates among Assyrians as mediators of the supernatural world with deep symbolic meanings. |
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