Ishtup-Ilum, shakkanakku of Mari.
The figure represented can be identified by the inscription engraved in three boxes on the top of his right arm: "Ishtup-ilum, shakkanakku of Mari", Ishtup-ilum means "The god kept alive". This statue was found lying on its back in the throne room of the palace of Mari, at the foot of the steps of the tribune on the short east side of the room. Ishtup-ilum was the builder of the temple of the Lions. There are three foundation deposits in his name.
The statue is sculpted from diorite. Ishtup-ilum is depicted at prayer, but the statue’s expression gives it a stern attitude. This sort of representation must have been the object of a dynastic cult at least from the reign of Zimri-Lim. This cult is called the kispum. It perpetuated the memory of the dead, and in the case of kings, this cult could be performed by rulers who were not of the same dynasty as the deceased. The position of the statue when it was found suggests these representations were displayed on a tribune opposite the sovereign's throne.
