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Mask of Humbaba
Near Eastern, Mesopotamian, Babylonian
Old Babylonian Period
1894–1595 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Terracotta
Dimensions
Height x width: 10.2 x 8.5 cm (4 x 3 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the Endowment for Biblical Research, Boston
Accession Number1983.581
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsReligious and cult objects
DescriptionTerracotta mask of Humbaba, the monster who guarded the sacred Cedar Forest on behalf of the god Enlil in Sumerian epic poetry. Images of Humbaba's face were commonly used as household charms to frighten away demons that might harm the home and its occupants.
ProvenanceBy 1983: Endowment for Biblical Research, Boston; 1983: Given to the MFA by the Endowment for Biblical Research, Boston (from the Zion Research Foundation) 7 December 1983.