This large relief depicts a standing, human-headed male figure with wings. He wears a kilt beneath a fringed robe, a helmet, sandals, and an assortment of jewelry, body ornaments, and small weapons. Holding a pail in his left hand, he reaches with his right to pick the uppermost cone from a sacred tree. Although frequently referred to as a "genie," the Assyrian word apkallu, meaning "sage," may be a more appropriate term for the protective spirit embodied by such a figure. This relief, along with many others showing human- (cf. 1854.4-5) and bird-headed apkallu (cf. 1854.3), as well as eunuchs (cf. 1854.2.1) and other attendants, once lined the walls of the palace built by the Assyrian king Assurnasirpal II at ancient Kalhu (present-day Nimrud, Iraq). Although only traces of pigment survive on most of these reliefs, originally they would have been brightly painted. The cuneiform inscription running horizontally across the middle of the relief recounts the military, administrative, and religious achievements of the king.
Medium: Gypseous alabaster with traces of paint
Dimensions: 224.8 x 184.8 cm (88 1/2 x 72 3/4 in.)
This large relief depicts a standing male figure, probably a eunuch, judging by his portly physique and the absence of a beard. He wears a long tunic, fringed with tassels at the bottom edge, and sandals on his feet (with traces of red pigment preserved). An assortment of jewelry is visible, including an earring, a necklace, an arm ring, and a bracelet. His multiple weapons - a bow in one hand, a mace in the other, and a sword in a scabbard at his side - identify him as a royal bodyguard. Once brightly painted, this relief, along with many others representing both human and semi-divine figures (cf. 1854.1, 1854.3, 1854.4-5), belonged to the decorative program of the palace built by the Assyrian king Assurnasirpal II at ancient Kalhu (present-day Nimrud, Iraq). The cuneiform inscription running horizontally across the middle of the relief recounts the military, administrative, and religious achievements of the king.