The significance of the ancient “Napirasu statue” lies not only in the mastery and artistry of its creators but also in the high value and esteemed position that women held in the civilization of Elam. Moreover, Napirasu is the first woman in the world to have spoken to future generations.
Women played pivotal roles in the advanced civilization of Elam, and Queen Napirasu was no exception. She was recognized as the wife of Untash Napirisha, the king of Elam, occupying a distinguished position within the Elam Empire. Untash, the same king who founded the ziggurat of Choghazanbil, ruled from 1275 to 1240 BC, demonstrating great ability and expertise. Given the high regard for women in the Elamite kingdom, Untash Napirisha commissioned the creation of a splendid statue depicting his lady, Queen Napirasu.
This statue has endured for several millennia, with the exception of the unfortunate loss of the figure’s head. Currently, the statue of Napirasu is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
During the reign of Untash Napirisha, the Elam Empire entered a new period of its history and emerged as a leader in various aspects of civilization among other lands. Therefore, it is not surprising that they held a deep respect for women and endeavored to protect them. Napirisha issued an order for the queen of Elam’s statue to be adorned with a layer of copper and gold, emphasizing the use of intricate patterns.
As observed in this headless figure, Napirasu is depicted with crossed hands, symbolizing her elevated position in the Elam Empire. The outstretched fingers of her hands are visible, and the garment, appearing remarkably luxurious, lends the statue an impressive beauty. The long robe cascades to the ground and beneath the statue, exuding spectacular splendor.
The height of the Napirasu statue is 130 cm, weighing 1750 kg. The figure is crafted to showcase the queen’s stature with firmness and magnificence. The craftsmanship employed by the master caster in creating this statue is truly rare, highlighting the pinnacle of such art in Elamite civilization. The ability of Elamite artists in 1250 BC to produce such an amazing and beautiful work through bronze casting demonstrates the advancement of artistic endeavors and their significance in Elamite civilization. Archaeologists, recognizing the value of the statue of Napirasu, believe that its equal cannot be found in the ancient East, and the artistic effort invested in shaping it surpasses that seen in statues from Egypt and Babylon.
As mentioned earlier, Napirasu is the first lady in the world whose words have been remembered. On the fringed skirt of her statue, she ordered the following words to be written: “I am Napirasu, the wife of Untash Napirisha.” Whoever wants to destroy my statue, whoever wants to crush it, whoever wants to clear my name, I ask the gods to be angry with him and destroy his name and generation. It is as if the queen of Elam sought a guarantee for the eternal perpetuation of her name in these brief words and aimed to prevent future generations from destroying her statue and name. Fortunately, she achieved her wish, and now the name of the queen of Elam – Napirasu – resonates throughout the world!
It is also worth mentioning that on the skirt of the statue, the name of Inshushinak – the god of the Elamites – is engraved in Elamite cuneiform script. The ring seen on the left hand of Queen Napirasu is the oldest known ring in the world.
The beautiful statue of Queen Napirasu was discovered by the French archaeologist, De Morgan, in Susa in 1903, and he transported it to the Louvre Museum in Paris.
