friend

www.metmuseum.org. Rogers Fund, 1939

Mesopotamia, 8th - 7th century B.C.  Standing all of 2.75 inches tall, this bronze figurine was most likely a votive offering to the goddess Gula.  Gula began as Bau, the goddess of dogs (how do you like that onomatopoeia?), but over time people noticed that when dogs licked your sores, they seemed to heal better.  New job for Bau:  Gula, deity of healing.  Someone long ago either needed some healing or was grateful for it, and brought this pleasant little gesture of a sculpture to a temple as a please or thank you.