“Enzo” Eagle statue … A 4,500-year-old artifact depicting cultural exchange between Mesopotamia and Syria

The statue of the god Enzo, which is found at   the National Museum of  Damascus and dates back to 2500 BC, embodies  the cultural exchange  between Mesopotamia and Syria since ancient times.

The statue, which  was discovered in the foundations of  Mari Palace in 1965 in a pottery jar , was originally sent as a gift from the King of Ur in southern Iraq to the King of Mari.

It represents  one of the masterpieces of art during the early Mesopotamian dynasties period known as the Early Bronze Age.

According to the index prepared by the General Directorate of Antiquities and Museums on the collectibles  of  National  Museum of Damascus , the statue is an eagle with a lion’s head made of precious stones such as lapis lazuli ,  gold,  copper and bitumen. Its   height reaches  12.8 cm with a width of 11.8 cm.

It is noteworthy that  the statue’s name “Enzo”  is derived from the Sumerian language and is considered a symbol of the Mesopotamian god of war Ningirsu . It  is believed to have been used as a necklace by noting  holes drilled in the wings of the statue.

Rawaa Ghanam