The Steel of Narma Sin History Essay Research Paper

Name:
Institution Affiliation:
Instructor:
Course:
Date:
The Stele of Naram Sin
Introduction
Everyone likes art. Ordinarily, we use art to honor and acknowledge essential moments. Human beings have been using art as a way preserving history or recognizing important people throughout history. This was also practiced in Mesopotamia, a region in the Middle East situated between two rivers Tigris and Euphrates. In this region, art was used to showcase the powers of the Kings and also to commemorate major events. One of the main forms of art that were used in Mesopotamia from roughly 2254BC-2218BC was steles, big pieces of stones that were sculpted with words or images. This discussion will evaluate the significance of the Stele of Naram Sin and evaluate both stylistic and cultural characteristics of this piece and examine the influence on other styles.
This piece of artwork from the ancient Near East intrigued me because of how much history it shows the viewers about the early people of Mesopotamia. This major work of art illustrates the imperial art of the Akkadian Dynasty, this victory stele celebrates the triumph of King Naram Sin over a mountain people, the Lulllubi (Pouyssegur, p.1). King Naram Sin led his troops over the steep slopes of the enemy territory, mercilessly crushing all the resistance. The conqueror’s victory march is coupled with the personal ascension of a sovereign who could now claim equal footing with the gods.
The Akkadian empire had initially suffered defeat to the Guti tribe. This is was motivate Naram Sin to build and expand the power of his army. It is also important to note that King Naram Sin regarded himself as the most powerful leader that the people named him the “King of the Four Quarters” which mean the ruler of the world. Later Naram Sin led his army to defeat the Lullubi tribe. To celebrate and honor the king’s power, the Stele of Naram Sin was made by an Akkadian sculptor. This artwork was intended to show the king as a powerful figure that leads the army to victory.
The Stele of Naram Sin has several stylistic characteristics that are associated with the Akkadian period. The artwork produced during this time provided both a three and two-dimensional view. Additionally, during this time, sculpting was mainly done on building walls and in other materials that were less heavy than stones such as ornaments and luxurious furniture. Later the independent table-monuments or the stele became common. This explains why the sculpture of Naram Sin was developed on a wooden slab.
Also, the artwork produced during this period focused on the physical details of the art design. They emphasized the muscles...