A Colossal Statue of the Weather God Hadad, Pergamon Museum, Museum Island, Berlin

Found in Gerdshin near Sam`al/Zincirli (Turkey)

Basalt

ca. 775 B.C.

"I am Panamuwa, the son of QRL, the King of Ja`udi, I have erected this statue of Hadad, at my eternal grave." With these words begins the inscription, engraved in the Aramaic script and language on the lower part of the body of the colossal male statue. The inscription makes clear that this is a representation of the Weather God Hadad, who originally held in his hands his two symbols: the lightening-rod and the axe. On his round cap are bull horns, the known symbols of divinity. On the socle are two lions heads (originally not attached).

Panamuwa had presented this statue to enjoy the protection of the Weather God during his lifetime and with the gods help to partake of offerings with the god after his death. The inscription reads: "May the soul of Panamuwa eat with Hadad, may the soul of Panamuwa drink with Hadad". The Weather God in the ancient western Asiatic world, especially in the areas with sufficient rainfall for cereal crops, was held in high regard and venerated.

Taken on  Wednesday 07th of August 2019

Device: Google

Model: Pixel 3 XL

Tags:  basalt | berlin | colossal | gerdshin | hadad | inscription | male statue | museum | museum island | panamuwa | pergamon museum | statue | weather god

Genre:  775 B.C.