---
title: Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh
author: Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4930/model-clay-dogs-from-nineveh/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-08-22
---

# Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh

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

## Image File

[![Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4930.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/4930.jpg)

## Image Caption

These counterparts of real mastiffs were buried to guard a property from devils and demons. Ritual instructions for making and inscribing them survive on clay tablets. This pack was found beneath a [palace](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/palace/) doorway at [Nineveh](https://www.worldhistory.org/nineveh/). Each is named after a quality required in guard dogs:

- "Loud is his bark!" (black dog)
- "Bitter of his foe!" (blue dog)
- "Don't think, bite!" (white dog)
- "Catcher of the enemy!" (red dog)
- "Expeller of evil!" (white dog with red spots)

From the North Palace (Room S, door D) at Nineveh, Northern [Mesopotamia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamia/), Iraq. Neo-Assyrian perid, c. 645 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). Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4930/model-clay-dogs-from-nineveh/>
### Chicago
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh." *World History Encyclopedia*, April 18, 2016. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4930/model-clay-dogs-from-nineveh/>.
### MLA
Amin, Osama Shukir Muhammed. "Model Clay Dogs from Nineveh." *World History Encyclopedia*, 18 Apr 2016, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/4930/model-clay-dogs-from-nineveh/>.

## 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.