AN OVERVIEW OF THE OFFERING SCENES IN THE DECORATION OF URARTIAN BRONZE PLAQUES
AN OVERVIEW OF THE OFFERING SCENES IN THE DECORATION OF URARTIAN BRONZE PLAQUES

Summary/Abstract: The present research examines the sacred offerings depicted in the artistic decoration of Urartian bronze plaques. These plaques, which are devoid of written sources, contain significant information regarding the religious customs of the Kingdom of Van (Urartu, 9-6 BC). It is a known fact that bronze plaque making was the most advanced art forms in Urartu. The shape and the predominance of ritual scenes suggest that these plaques had a cult definition or were used as amulets for protection and good luck. It is possible that iconography on the plaques was chosen based on religious beliefs. The artistic interpretation of the scene of the sacrificing of a goat and offering of a flag to a male deity is particularly worth studying. The decoration of different plaques is dominated by a similar theme. Since to this day, the true iconographic meaning of the offering scenes on Urartian votive plaques has not been revealed. The main goal of this study is to try to reveal the essence of Urartian religious ceremonies through the iconography. The study involves a comparative analysis, using ancient textual sources from Urartu and neighboring cultures.

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