A Genius The Ancient Near Eastern period of our history marks a fundamental and very large shift in the way human culture evolved. At that time, the growth of its people and cities had a marked improvement on urban society, which has continued to prevail over the years as a major influence on our evolution. Found works of art from that period directly reflect that change and evolution. Better soil, accessibility to water, and easier means of trade with other civilizations provided the fabric for this new change. The pieces discovered by archaeologists, such as wall reliefs, vases, coins, statues, and jewelry, truly show a sophisticated society unlike anything seen before its time. One can only imagine what kind of people flourished in ancient Mesopotamia, also known as the “Fertile Crescent”. Through its villages and cities, the ancient peoples of the Near East began to colonize and thus trigger the first system of hierarchy. Priests and kings celebrated the rite on earth and the people worshiped them as divine. The palaces in this period of government were adorned with great splendor. Grand statues and intricate wall reliefs brought them to life. One piece in particular shows Assyria's view of worship and hierarchy. “The relief showing the head of a winged genius” visually describes the role of worship and divinity in this ancient Mesopotamian civilization. Works of art from any era directly imitate the civilization from which they come. This particular piece with its strong emphasis on line and form lends itself to an overwhelming sense of stylization and sophistication. Although stylized, the relief showing the head of a winged genie is also very naturalistic. Dated 883-859 BC, this piece tells a much bigger story than its limited visual subject would lead the viewer to believe. It's roughly 2 feet. within 2 feet. frame, the thick-looking chalk offers a candid view of this winged genius, thought to be some sort of god or higher power. Facial expressions are limited to his profile. The serenity in the genie's face shows a very friendly disposition while his large eyes with thick, satisfied eyebrows give him a wisdom that seems omnipotent. The genius's long beard, with intricate stylized curls, also reinforces the attribute of wisdom. The hint of wings, which could almost be mistaken for hair, and his headdress put to rest any doubts that he must be the height of a normal man. Originally, this relief was part of something much larger.