The Sebetti Gods

myminifactory

Three imposing figures once stood proudly in Ashurbapinal's throne room. Adorned with high, flat, horned crowns that boasted impressive feathered tops, each figure boldly held an axe aloft in its raised right hand. A crucial correction had been made to the original design: the sculptors had swapped out bows from their left hands for daggers, a change suggested by the king's keen-eyed experts who had spotted a mistake. The three figures are part of the seven Sebetti gods, revered protective spirits in Assyria whose importance is still celebrated today. Originally, Assyrian wall panels burst with vibrant colors. Though much of this artwork has faded over time, remnants remain - tiny areas of black and red pigment can be seen on some panels, while scientists continue to uncover microscopic traces of other hues using innovative techniques. Colorful accents are also visible on other objects like intricately painted tiles and bricks. These treasures hail from the North Palace in Nineveh, Iraq, a site dating back to 645-640 BC. This scanned image is part of the I Am Ashurbapinal exhibition at The British Museum, proudly displayed for visitors to marvel at since 2019.