Tell Brak Eye Idol
by Nicole Brandt
Acrylic Paint on Canvas Board
12x16 in (~30.5x40.5 cm)
2022
In the 1937-38 excavation season, the British School of Archaeology in Iraq and British Museum, led by Max Mallowan, excavated at Tell Brak in what is now northern Syria. During the dig, the team discovered thousands of these “eye-idols.” Their purpose is unknown, but it has been proposed that they were dedicatory items offered to the gods. The eye-idols, although ubiquitous at the site, are a unique find, unprecedented at other archaeological sites in the region. They were carved from stone, feature large expressive eyes, and date to c. 3700-3500 BC. This early dating and lack of accompanying textual materials is part of the reason that their purpose is unclear.
by Nicole Brandt
Acrylic Paint on Canvas Board
12x16 in (~30.5x40.5 cm)
2022
In the 1937-38 excavation season, the British School of Archaeology in Iraq and British Museum, led by Max Mallowan, excavated at Tell Brak in what is now northern Syria. During the dig, the team discovered thousands of these “eye-idols.” Their purpose is unknown, but it has been proposed that they were dedicatory items offered to the gods. The eye-idols, although ubiquitous at the site, are a unique find, unprecedented at other archaeological sites in the region. They were carved from stone, feature large expressive eyes, and date to c. 3700-3500 BC. This early dating and lack of accompanying textual materials is part of the reason that their purpose is unclear.
by Nicole Brandt
Acrylic Paint on Canvas Board
12x16 in (~30.5x40.5 cm)
2022
In the 1937-38 excavation season, the British School of Archaeology in Iraq and British Museum, led by Max Mallowan, excavated at Tell Brak in what is now northern Syria. During the dig, the team discovered thousands of these “eye-idols.” Their purpose is unknown, but it has been proposed that they were dedicatory items offered to the gods. The eye-idols, although ubiquitous at the site, are a unique find, unprecedented at other archaeological sites in the region. They were carved from stone, feature large expressive eyes, and date to c. 3700-3500 BC. This early dating and lack of accompanying textual materials is part of the reason that their purpose is unclear.