An Old Babylonian terracotta plaque, moulded with an offering scene, depicting a man advancing to his left whilst holding out an animal, probably a goat, with four legs sticking out. The reverse is unmodelled. Supplied with the old lucite base.
 
Circa 1900-1600 BC. (time of Hammurabi).
 
Condition: Fine and intact. Some loss mostly along the bottom edge; surface weathering. Details a little worn, although this may be from wear to the cast from which the mould was originally taken.
Height 10.6 cms (4.2 ins).
 
Provenance: Paul S. Forbes collection, Maryland, acquired 1970's - 1980's.
 
Terracotta plaques of this sort were mass- produced from moulds and represented a form of art available to a wide audience. They have been excavated in temples as well as in household shrines and private homes and give us a mysterious glimpse into religious practices and the ideas that people valued. Their subject matter varies widely, including religious images, mythological and erotic scenes, and representations of rulers and gods.