Early 1st millennium BC. A staff comprising a hollow alabaster shaft with ceramic terminals; lower end conical in shape with concave base, upper end with rounded shoulder, narrow neck and wide flat rim open to reveal hollow shaft. Shamash, also known in the Sumerian tradition as Utu, was the Babylonian/Assyrian god of the sun and divine justice and held a central position in the Mesopotamian pantheon. Shamash was the judge of both heaven and earth and, at night, of the underworld. According to legend, Shamash handed over the code of laws to the Babylonian king Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylonian king. These laws have survived on a stele, now in the Louvre museum including a depiction of the transaction. The god is usually depicted seated upon a throne holding the symbols of justice and righteousness, the staff and the ring. 320 grams, 38cm (15"). From the private collection of a North West London lady; previously with a central London gallery; formerly acquired before 1990. Very fine condition.