Model House

CultureHittite

PeriodHittite Old Kingdom

Date1680-1450 BCE

MediumCeramic

Credit LineGift of the Forward Arts Foundation

Dimensions11 1/2 x 15 3/8 x 8 1/4 in. (29.2 x 39.1 x 21 cm)

Object number2015.019.001

Label TextThis Model House and Bed is an exceedingly rare and precious object from the ancient Near East. Both objects date to the Middle Bronze Age when Northern Syria was under the control of ancient Turkish people called the Hittites. The house has two stories; a flat roof and a rope-like design the runs around the edges of the windows and the walls. Small clay appliques of birds and animals sit above the windows. The purpose of such models is unknown. Often referred to as an architectural model of a house or a temple, some think it was a cult object such as an altar or an offering table. The model's missing floor and back may suggest it was placed over fragrance burner and used temple ceremonies. Those models found in a domestic context have led a few wonder if the house served as a tabernacle to commemorate the family's dead.
Exhibition HistoryMichael C. Carlos Museum Morgens West Foundation Galleries of Ancient Near Eastern Art, November 10, 2018 - Present

ProvenanceEx. coll. Living Torah Museum, Brooklyn, New York, purchased from David Liebert (d.2014) [Time Machine Company], Flushing, New York, 2000. Deaccessioned by Living Torah Museum, 2013. Purchased by MCCM from Randall A. Hixenbaugh [Hixenbaugh Ancient Art], New York, New York.

Status

On view

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