Comparing Memi and Sabu Statues with the Statue of Gudea

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The central city sanctuaries in the ancient civilization of Lagash were embellished with various structures of Gudea throughout his kingship; however, the Statue of Gudea (about 2090 B.C.) is still in good shape (Metmuseum.org, n.d.). On the contrary, the Royal Acquaintances Memi and Sabu may be found in ancient Egypt’s 4th Dynasty (ca. 2575–2465 B.C.) (The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136, n.d.). This essay will compare and contrast the sculptures from the old Kingdom period (i.e., Statue of The King Acquaintances Memi and Sabu) with those from the Neo-Sumerian period (i.e., Statue of Gudea). They are both human figures; however, they are made almost 500 years apart, with different intentions. They have certain elements and principles of design in common. To contrast them, the paper will look at the statue’s appearance, proportions and texture, magnitude, and intention.

Appearance
The statue of The King Acquaintances Memi and Sabu is a more semi-abstract sculpture, considering the figure is the shape of a human without specific detail on the size of fingers and clothing (The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136, n.d.). On the other hand, the statue of Gudea has a lot of details in the gesture and clothes; it even has an inscription on his robe that establish the image of Gudea. Gudea is depicted in the Statue of Gudea as the monarch, seated before his followers with his palms folding in meditation or welcoming posture (Metmuseum, n.d.). Furthermore, in The Royal Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, Memi and Sabu stand up in parallel positions, Memi’s left hand descending on Sabu’s shoulder and her right hand entwined about his waistline, depicting their closeness (The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136, n.d.).

The apparent similarity is in the inscriptions of both sculptures. Manuscripts are present in both sculptures, which is a frequent feature. The writings on the statues of Memi and Sabu implied they knew a royal family. At the same time, the statement on the figure of Gudea identified him as an aristocracy and a warrior with the desire that enjoys a long life (Metmuseum, n.d.; The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136, n.d.).

Proportions and Texture
The Royal Acquaintances Memi and Sabu were fashioned of limestone, whereas Gudea’s statue is a diorite stone sculpture (Metmuseum, n.d.; The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136, n.d.). The Memi and Sabu Statue is 62 cm tall, 24.5 cm wide, and 16 cm deep, weighing 28.8 kg; while Gudea’s statue has the following dimensions: 17 44 x 21.5 x 29.5 cm (Metmuseum, n.d.; The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136, n.d.). It renders Memi and Sabu’s statues larger than Gudea’s. The King’s Acquaintances Memi and Sabu statue reflects the ancient kingdom’s time and culture, while the Statue of Gudea depicts the Neo-Sumerian era and civilization (Metmuseum, n.d.; The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136, n.d.). The Neo-Sumerian culture’s works are imbued with a feeling of holy restraint and peacefulness.

Magnitude
The amount of familiarity witnessed between Memi, and Sabu shows they were in a relationship. As a result, the statue might be a representation of love. The gestures of their hands suggest they were mates; their expressions suggest the contrary. They appeared to be physically attached but not connected romantically. The man and the woman are dressed similarly, indicating that they are from the same socioeconomic class. Additionally, their clothing demonstrates that they were most likely common folk.

The Statue of Gudea, on the other hand, is an exception. Unlike the Regal Acquaintances Memi and Sabu, who are shown as upright subjects, the statue of Gudea represent him in reclining and imperial attire. The representation of Gudea shows that the Statue of Gudea depicts monarchy and strength.
Intention

Gudea’s statue, like many others, was created to be installed in the magnificent sanctuaries of Lagash Gudea (Writers team, 2022). Putting his statue in temples conserved his legacies and encouraged people to serve and adore him as a deity. Memi and Sabu, Royal Acquaintances, were designed to be buried with the deceased (most probably their lords) so that they may continue to serve them in the next life (Writers team, 2022).

In conclusion, both statues share different values, intentions, and cultures, considering their period differences. The style, texture, and proportions are emerging yet still stand up to their uniqueness. Also, they have the similarity in sharing their magnitude in society, which can represent their economic status.

Word Counts: 742 words

References

The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 136. (n.d.). The King’s Acquaintances Memi and Sabu. Metmuseum.org. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/543899

Metmuseum.org. (n.d.). The Statue of Gudea, named Gudea, the man who built the temple, may his life be long. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/329072

Writers team. (2022, April 19). The statue of Memi and Sabu and the statue of gudea. Netizen Me. https://netizenme.com/art/the-statue-of-memi-and-sabu-and-the-statue-of-gudea/