---
title: Basalt basin for purification purposes from Ashur
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2987/basalt-basin-for-purification-purposes-from-ashur/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Basalt basin for purification purposes from Ashur

_Authored by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/)_

## Image File

[![Basalt basin for purification purposes from Ashur](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2987.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/2987.jpg)

## Image Caption

When discovered, this water basin was completely shattered. It was cut originally from a single basalt block and was located in the courtyard of the [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) of [Ashur](https://www.worldhistory.org/ashur/). At each corner and side of the basin's walls, there are water gods holding water-flowing water jugs. Water flows from the sky above, into the jugs, and downward to the earth below. Two priests appear to wear fish skins and hold small buckets filled with a fluid to purify the water [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) at the center. There are several repeated [cuneiform](https://www.worldhistory.org/cuneiform/) inscriptions that mention the name of the Assyrian king [Sennacherib](https://www.worldhistory.org/sennacherib/). The interior of the basin was not decorated. The basin's location and its decorations refer to the fact that this basin was used for cultic purification ceremonies. From Ashur, northern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), Iraq. Neo-Assyrian period, reign of Sennacherib, 704-681 BCE. (The [Pergamon](https://www.worldhistory.org/pergamon/) Museum, Berlin).

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Associate Professor of Neurology and lover of the Cradle of Civilization, Mesopotamia. I'm very interested in Mesopotamian history and always try to take photos of archaeological sites and artifacts in museums, both in Iraq and around the world.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/MRCPian)
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/osama-shukir-muhammed-amin/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Amin, O. S. M. (2014, August 31). Basalt basin for purification purposes from Ashur. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2987/basalt-basin-for-purification-purposes-from-ashur/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Basalt basin for purification purposes from Ashur." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 31, 2014. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2987/basalt-basin-for-purification-purposes-from-ashur/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Basalt basin for purification purposes from Ashur." *World History Encyclopedia*, 31 Aug 2014, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/2987/basalt-basin-for-purification-purposes-from-ashur/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 31 August 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.