Stone Bull Carving

The bull was a popular figure in early Sumarian art and played a prominent role in the iconography, religion and mythology of Sumeria and Mesopatamia. It was a symbol of strength and representative of god as the “bull of heaven” slain by Gilgamesh. These small sculptures were probably worn suspended from the neck as amulets to repel misfortune, ensure continuing goodwill from the gods and to keep malevolent forces at bay.