---
title: Fish-Cloaked Apkallu
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4929/fish-cloaked-apkallu/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Fish-Cloaked Apkallu

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

## Image File

[![Fish-Cloaked Apkallu](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4929.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4929.jpg)

## Image Caption

In order to protect the household, this protective figure (apkallu or sage) would be buried beneath the floor in groups of seven. This figurine represents a wise man dressed in a fish-cloak sent by the [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/) Ea to impart knowledge to humans. For cultic purposes, priests wore such cloaks made from [giant](https://www.worldhistory.org/Giants/) species of carp living in the River Tigris. From [Nimrud](https://www.worldhistory.org/Kalhu/) or [Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/), Northern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), Iraq. Neo-Assyrian Period, 900-612 BCE. (The British Museum, London)

#### 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. (2016, April 18). Fish-Cloaked Apkallu. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4929/fish-cloaked-apkallu/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Fish-Cloaked Apkallu." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 18, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4929/fish-cloaked-apkallu/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Fish-Cloaked Apkallu." *World History Encyclopedia*, 18 Apr 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4929/fish-cloaked-apkallu/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/OsamaSMAmin/ "User Page: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin"), published on 18 April 2016. 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.