Relief depicting King Kilamuwa and his servant

The relief’s relatively small dimensions and rounded shape clearly distinguish the monument from the orthostat slabs from Sam’al, making it appear more like a type of stele, even though it lacks the typical socket for erecting it. There is no doubt, however, that it served as a visual representation of a ruler, as evidenced by the depiction itself and the artistic execution. The truly regal pose is no less impressive, as it strongly recalls that of the Assyrian kings on comparable works of art. Not least, this clearly intended visual message also includes the significant difference in body size, the self-determined action placed at the center in contrast to the more dependent, subservient posture of the secondary figure, and the overall attire of the figures depicted. Both figures appear in almost equally elaborate attire, featuring draped robes and richly appliquéd undergarments, finely crafted sandals, and lotus-like blossoms in their hands. With a gesture of greeting, a ruler of the state of Sam’al thus identifies himself, accompanied by a servant or even his son. However, the image does not reveal who the bearded man with the tiara-like headdress is—there is no inscription. A comparison with an inscribed orthostat, however, suggests that this is a depiction of Prince Kilamuwa from the mid-9th century BCE. [JM]