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Facial Paralysis in a Babylonian Plaque
William J Fulco1, Sabrina L Levy2, Rinaldo F Canalis3
1Department of Classics and Archaeology, Loyola Marymount University.
Summary
This Neo-Babylonian terra cotta plaque (LMU 2551) depicts right peripheral facial paralysis, offering rare ancient insight into neurological disorders. Archaeological analysis confirmed the facial distortions are deliberate representations of the condition.
Area of Science:
- Archaeology
- Art History
- Neurology
Background:
- Ancient representations of pathology are rare, especially in Assyrian-Babylonian cultures.
- Artistic examples of disease are almost non-existent despite numerous medical texts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze a Neo-Babylonian terra cotta plaque (LMU 2551) for evidence of pathology.
- To investigate the plaque as a potential ancient representation of facial paralysis.
Main Methods:
- Precise caliper measurements of the plaque (LMU 2551).
- Archaeological analysis of the plaque's features.
Main Results:
- Facial distortions on LMU 2551 are not accidental, indicating deliberate representation.
- Measurements reveal significant asymmetry in facial features, consistent with right peripheral facial paralysis.
- The left eye is depicted as closed, while the right eye is open.
Conclusions:
- The plaque LMU 2551 is one of the oldest known representations of facial paralysis.
- The depiction correlates with ancient Babylonian texts on neurological disorders.
- The exact function of the plaque remains unknown.
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