Art: Before she was Aphrodite, she was the Queen of the Night

This Valentines Day, before most of you enjoy a fiery night out, I'd like to leave you with a tiny essay about  the OG Goddess of LOVE, Innana (she was also the goddess of war; which seems appropriate).

To say that I am a little obsessed with Sumerian art and culture, would not be an exaggeration. Not only do I find their art thrilling – but their history, culture and constant warfare really draws me in like an old adventure saga – only this history, is true.

The Sumerians were known as “the black-headed ones”.  When we think of Sumerians we may think of impressive temples, or their fierce warriors – they are best known for their war tactics after all. However, the Sumerians also developed the first form of writing known as cuneiform (meaning wedge-shaped).

In The Queen of the Night (1792 – 1750 BCE), we see the nude figure of the Mesopotamian goddess Inanna. This is a high relief sculpture on baked clay/ terracotta, and was originally painted red. She is winged, with talons as feet, wears a three-horned crown, and holds a rod, and ring of justice; symbols of her divinity.

Inanna stands rigid, firm, and unwavering. She looks powerful and comfortable with her own sexuality. Her wings are open, but pointed down regally. These beautiful wings hang downward because they represent her as the goddess of the underworld. As with the other cultures, Sumerians had a fascination with the afterlife, and it is a consistent theme throughout their works. This representation could also signify her seven day journey through the netherworld (it’s interesting to note that Mesopotamian funerary rites could last up to seven days), each day representing her journey.

Inanna was continuously worshiped and written about throughout many generations. Innana represented feminine power and beauty, she was a warrior queen. She brings to mind our modern day Xena. The Sumerian era was war-ridden and tough, it would make sense to look to such a powerful goddess for protection and to promote fertility – therefore ensuring their own survival and expansion as a people. Inanna was the most important goddess to the Mesopotamian culture, representing fertility, love and war.

Inanna’s nudity is in the foreground - it is as if she is reminding us that this is what she is, and this is what she represents. This distinguishes ancient Near Eastern cultures from western neighbors, especially Greeks, who covered up their goddesses well into the Classical era. Her command over the natural world surrounding her in the relief may also be a representation of her command over the wilder, animalistic nature of humanity itself.

She makes no apologies for what she is.

The goddess is later morphed by others cultures into Ishtar, and then Aphrodite, as the goddess of love in Greek culture. The Near East embraced female sexuality. Although Innana can be mostly compared with Aphrodite in Greek culture, her specific attributes can be seen in the relief...the lion, the owl, and wings.  The owl would later become the key attribute of Athena in ancient Greece (symbolic of her wisdom).  

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Works Cited

Mark, Joshua J. "Inanna." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 15 Oct. 2010. Web. 06 Sept. 2016.

“The Queen of the Night." Khan Academy. The British Museum. Web. 08 Sept. 2016.

“The Sumerians and Mesopotamia." Khan Academy. The British Museum. Web. 08 Sept. 2016.