8th-7th century BC. A large bronze belt decorated with groups of three creatures such as human-headed birds, leaping gazelle, bulls and lions each divided by three groups of raised dots; border to the top and bottom, pierced along the top and bottom for attachment; mounted on a custom-made stand. 72 grams, 83cm (32 1/2"). Property of a German gentleman; acquired 1980-1990. In most religions there is a belief in various kinds of supernatural beings ranking between the level of gods and men. In ancient Mesopotamia supernatural creatures were called Rabisu in Akkadian and Mashkim in Sumerian, and can refer to a good or demon-like creature which usually takes on the form of a hybrid animal. Demons and other monsters who were perceived as being evil were generally regarded as causing diseases and were a threat to children and mothers. Those that were perceived as being good had the opposite power of protecting mankind from the hostile forces of the supernatural word. because of the ever present threat of malign powers everyday objects, such as this belt, would have been decorated with images of good demons to protect the wearer.

Fair condition. Rare.