Assyrian King Ashur-nasir-pal II, ca. 883-859 BC. Gypsum stone, pigment, Brooklyn Museum ,New York, USA. The basic design of the crown is a low tapering cap resembling a modern Turkish fez it represents the ruler as chief official of the kingdom. The spike projecting from the top symbolizes the king as warrior, and the broad sash wrapped around the crown reflects his elevated status in Assyrian society. Here the king is shown holding a bowl and a hunterâs bow. The bowl was used for offering libations the bow and bowl together may refer to a hunting ritual. Archaeological excavations throughout the ancient Near East have revealed numerous examples of real bowls of this type in copper, bronze, silver, and gold.
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