The Mesopotamians were noted to create a symbolic visual language to communicate politics, hierarchal scales based on skills in the community. This civilization was heavily centered around religion and the worship of gods & goddesses. The city of Sumer is credited to invent the first wagon wheel and plow. These technological advancements show the advanced engineering and mathematical skills of this civilization, their ability to adapt to the surrounding environment. The wagon wheel was most likely used for transportation of foods, important people in the community. The plow was utilized for the agricultural aspect of this civilization, based on the crops these people were able to grow, they acknowledged the need for fertile soil. Their invention of these two objects illustrate their skills in technology for survival.
Votive figures, made of limestone, originated from the Square Temple in Eshnunna, were symbolic sculptures dedicated the gods. These cylindrical structures were carved with details that symbolize aspects of gods and goddesses, all followed conventions: stylized faces and body shapes. With a variety of sizes, these were used for worship. From the discovery of these sculptures, one can infer that respect of religion was a basic tradition of the Sumer people. The details of the limestone structures show the importance of symbolism in their respected religion. These sculptures might’ve been used for a shrine to pay respects in return for a healthy and long life. Throughout many Mesopotamian cities, there have been many varieties of votive figures, each god and goddess represent many aspects and registers of their communities.
