DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15854476
title: Quantitative data on the main classes and categories of clay figurines from 3rd millennium BCE Mesopotamia

description: This dataset systematically collects and classifies published quantitative data on the main classes and categories of clay figurines from 3rd millennium BCE Mesopotamia. It covers sites in modern-day Iraq and Syria situated between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, for which there is representative data available, i.e. the total number of figurines found at a given site within defined contextual or chronological frameworks. Sites that produced fewer than ten specimens have been excluded.The dataset consists of four Excel spreadsheets and a separate text file containing references. Spreadsheet AZ includes quantitative data on the two main types of figurines (anthropomorphic and zoomorphic), while spreadsheet ACat includes quantitative data on the four main morphological categories of anthropomorphic figurines (pillar-shaped, standing, cone/cylindrical-shaped, and seated). Spreadsheet ZCat includes quantitative data on the three main morphological categories of zoomorphic figurines (solid, wheeled and hollow), while spreadsheet ZSpec includes quantitative data on the kinds of animals represented among zoomorphic figurines (equids, sheep, goats, cattle, dogs, birds, other quadrupeds and unidentified quadrupeds). However, not all sites provided data on all of the listed figurine classes and categories.

CHRONOLOGY

The chronology of the figurine corpora from North Mesopotamia was established based on the results of the ARCANE project (see Quenet 2011; Finkbeiner 2015; Renette 2019). The applied periodisation is based on regional systems for the Middle Euphrates (Early Middle Euphrates/EME 1–5 periods), Jazirah (Early Jazirah/EJZ 1–5), and Tigris (Early Tigridian/ETG 1–9) regions (see, for example, Lebeau 2018: x). For South Mesopotamia, however, the traditional system is used, which is largely based on historical periodisation and division into the Early Dynastic (ED) I–III, Akkadian, and Ur III periods.

CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM

The classification of the figurines in the dataset as either anthropomorphic or zoomorphic, as well as the identification of the kinds of animals represented among the zoomorphic figurines, follows the identification given in the original publication.Despite the very general nature of these classification systems, limitations exist. Anthropomorphic figurines attached to the back of zoomorphic ones fall outside this system if they are found complete. If broken, they can easily be misclassified as either zoomorphic or anthropomorphic. In the dataset, they are added to the anthropomorphic figurines if traces of such are recognised, otherwise they remain with the zoomorphic group.Quadrupeds that cannot be identified at species level (mostly due to their state of preservation) also escape the system, as do figurines of uncertain identification involving two kinds of animal (e.g. sheep and goats) as described in the original publication. In the dataset, they are included in the 'unidentified quadrupeds' category.The identification of the anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurine categories follows either the classification provided in the original publication or is based on the published illustrations of the figurines. Spreadsheets providing data on the anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figurine categories do not include figurines of uncertain classification.Anthropomorphic figurines have been divided into four categories: pillar-shaped, standing, cylindrical/cone-shaped, and seated.Pillar-shaped figurines are typically baked, with no rendering of the genitalia or legs. While the upper portions of these figurines are characterised by an abundance of detail, the lower portions are almost invariably plain and devoid of decoration (Sakal 2018: 225–226).Standing figurines have clearly defined legs and are often set on a small, flat bases. These figurines are typically elaborately decorated. A distinct subcategory comprises female figurines stylised into a violin shape (Sakal 2018: 227).Cylindrical and cone-shaped figurines are usually crude and unsmoothed, with few marked details, and are either unbacked or only lightly fired (Sakal 2018: 225).Seated figurines either have legs that are lowered below seat level and are designed to be seated on a separately modelled object, or they are integrated with a stool or feature a projection along the back, enabling vertical placement.Zoomorphic figurines are divided into three major categories. The first category includes solid figurines. The second category comprises wheeled figurines that are adapted for mounting on axles with wheels and, in most cases, a string for pulling them. This category includes solid and hollow figurines/vessels shaped like whole animals, which may have openings in the torso walls and/or spouts in the head.Specimens in the hollow figurines category are not adapted for mounting on axles and wheels. These are predominantly flutes and rattles.

REFERENCES

Finkbeiner, U. (2015). Stratigraphy. In U. Finkbeiner, M. Novák, F. Sakal, and P. Sconzo (eds), Associated Regional Chronologies for the Ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean. Vol. 4, Middle Euphrates (pp. 17–40). Turnhout: Brepols

Lebeau, M. (2018). Foreword. In M. Lebeau (ed.), Associated Regional Chronologies for the Ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean, Interregional. Vol. 2, Artefacts (pp. ix–x). Turnhout: Brepols

Quenet, P. (2011). Stratigraphy. In M. Lebeau (ed.), Associated Regional Chronologies for the Ancient Near East and the Eastern Mediterranean. Vol. 1, Jezirah (pp. 19–47). Turnhout: Brepols

Renette, S. (2019). Stratigraphy. In E. Rova (ed.), Associated Regional Chronologies for the Ancient Near East and the Eastern Mediterranean. Vol. 5, Tigridian Region (pp. 21–44). Turnhout: Brepols

Sakal, F. (2018). Anthropomorphic terracotta figurines. In M. Lebeau (ed.), Associated Regional Chronologies for the Ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean, Interregional. Vol. 2, Artefacts (pp. 221–243). Turnhout: Brepols