Fish-cloaked sages (apkallu), face

In order to protect a household, figures were buried beneath the floor in groups of seven. These examples represent apkallu, wise men dressed in fish-skin cloaks sent by the god Ea to impart knowledge to humans. For cultic purposes priests wore such cloaks made from a giant species of carp living in the river Tigris. 900-612 B.C. From Nimrud and Nineveh, northern Iraq. Lahmu. Lahmu was a minor god, associated with the god Ea. Ritual texts prescribe that such figures be buried in the corners of a room and in the courtyard. 900 - 612 B.C. From Nineveh, northern Iraq