<P> The hoard was discovered in a temple dedicated to Abu , the ancient Near Eastern god of fertility . Evidence from Early Dynastic ruins at Khafajah suggests that the statues may have been arranged along the walls of the sanctuary either on the floor or on a low mud brick bench before they were buried . Some of the statues are inscribed on the back and bottom with a name and personalized supplicatory message , while others simply state `` one who offers prayers . '' These inscriptions indicate that the statues functioned as a surrogate for male and female worshipers who wished to leave their prayers with the god . In the 3rd millennium B.C. the price for a votive statue likely depended on its size , and possibly what stone was used . </P>
<P> The hoard was discovered in a temple dedicated to Abu , the ancient Near Eastern god of fertility . Evidence from Early Dynastic ruins at Khafajah suggests that the statues may have been arranged along the walls of the sanctuary either on the floor or on a low mud brick bench before they were buried . Some of the statues are inscribed on the back and bottom with a name and personalized supplicatory message , while others simply state `` one who offers prayers . '' These inscriptions indicate that the statues functioned as a surrogate for male and female worshipers who wished to leave their prayers with the god . In the 3rd millennium B.C. the price for a votive statue likely depended on its size , and possibly what stone was used . </P>
where were the statuettes of worshippers from tel asmar found
where were the statuettes of worshippers from tel asmar found
in a temple dedicated to Abu
in a temple dedicated to Abu