The Lady of the Mirror. On Some Artifacts from the Middle Assyrian Tomb 1424 at Tell Barri (NE Syria)

During the 2003 excavations at Tell Barri (Northeastern Syria) within the large Middle Assyrian building in Area G, a tomb was unearthed exhibiting characteristics and grave goods typical of the local funerary tradition alongside others that appeared notably peculiar, if not exotic, such as a mirror with two reflective disks and a forearm-shaped cosmetic palette. This seems to be an opportunity to reexamine this archaeologically significant context, offering insights into the circulation of finished products, imitations, and cultural influences within the composite Near Eastern society of the late 2nd millennium BC. Such an attempt not only promises to clarify certain aspects but also to provide further understanding of shared symbolism and beliefs among elite groups during a period marked by unprecedented interregional interactions.