Libation Table with Serpents and Water Deities
Unknown · Middle Elamite period, 14th century BC
Along this long bronze slab, more than a metre and a half in length, two serpents coil, and five figures rise from its edge, each holding a vase from which water pours. Only their upper bodies survive, and the table is broken and incomplete, but the theme is clear: gods of fresh water surrounded by snakes, the animals Elamites associated with the springs and streams beneath the earth.
Cast in the fourteenth century BC, the piece served as an offering table or altar, probably for libations, the pouring of water, beer or wine to the gods. The water flowing from the vases would have echoed the liquid actually poured on the table during rituals. Serpents were the emblem of the great god of Susa and appear on many Elamite religious objects. The table was found on the acropolis of Susa, the ancient temple mound, and came to the Louvre through the sharing of finds from the French mission. It is among the larger bronze objects recovered from the site.
Did You Know? The five figures with overflowing vases were meant to keep pouring for eternity, while real offerings were poured on the table above them.
Unlock the Full Guide
Read every room and listen to every work in all museums with premium.