Burney-Relief

The Burney Relief, also known as Queen of the Night Relief is a terracotta relief of the Isin - Larsa period, or from the Old Babylonian period. It shows a winged, naked, female, anthropomorphic figure with bird talons, flanked by owls and supported by lions - obviously a deity.

The relief comes from southern Iraq since it was bought in the art market, its exact origin is unknown. The relief came to England in 1924 and was first published in 1936. The name " Burney relief " it carries according to the owner at the time Sir Sydney Bernard Burney. In 2003, the relief was acquired by the British Museum, London ( Inv. ME 2003.07-18.1 ). After its authenticity has been repeatedly questioned, led by the British Museum thermoluminescence datings that confirmed its authenticity. Which deity is depicted on the relief, is discussed today. In addition to question Ištar come their sister Ereškigal and Lilith.