The Queen of the Night

A concise and beautifully designed book exploring the symbolism behind this exquisite Old Babylonian plaque found in southern Iraq. This spectacular terracotta plaque was the principal acquisition for the British Museum's 250th anniversary, and in 2004 was exhibited in various museums around the UK.Made between 1800 and 1859 BC, it is made from baked straw-tempered clay and modelled in high relief. It probably stood in a shrine and could represent the demoness Lilitu, known in the Bible as Lilith, or a Mesopotamian goddess. The figure wears the horned headdress characteristic of a Mesopotamian deity, and holds a rod and ring of justice, symbols of her divinity. Her long multi-coloured wings hang downwards, indicating that she is a goddess of the Underworld. The book explores the history and symbolism behind this beautiful and highly unusual relief.

Dominique Collon is curator of the Mesopotamian collections in the British Museum.