The Queen of the Night

myminifactory

This plaque is crafted from baked straw-tempered clay, molded in high relief. Originally painted with red, black and white pigments, the naked 'Queen' remains unidentified but her status as a Mesopotamian goddess is clear. Her cap or headdress features superimposed horns, indicating deity status along with her wings. Hanging downwards, these wings signify she's a goddess of the Underworld, while the original black background may have referenced night. The Queen holds 'rod and ring' symbols in her hands, likely originally used for measuring, which became Mesopotamian symbols of divinity and justice. Her legs end in bird talons, mirroring the two owls flanking her, as she stands on lion backs. A scale pattern at the bottom signifies mountains. The plaque's details, rich symbolism, and creatures have sparked differing ideas about the Queen's identity. She might represent Ishtar, goddess of love and war associated with lions, or perhaps Ereshkigal, Ishtar's sister and Underworld ruler. This plaque was likely created in Babylonia (southern Iraq) between 1800 and 1750 BC. It may have arrived in England as early as 1924, brought to the British Museum in 1933 for testing. Known since its 1936 publication in the Illustrated London News as the 'Burney Relief', it was re-named The Queen of the Night when acquired by the British Museum in 2003 for their 250th anniversary celebration.