Like a Thunderstorm: Storm-Gods ‘Sibitti’ Warriors from Highland Elam

This study provides a new analysis and interpretation of a fragmentary Elamite bronze
plaque found in the course of excavations conducted at the tell of Susa in the late 19th century
and housed at the Musée du Louvre under inventory number Sb133. This unique artefact in
cludes the representation in relief of seven idealized warriors in the guise of storm-gods integrat
ed into a background covered by an Elamite inscription. According to this investigation, the
bronze plaque should be situated within a 9th-8th century BCE highland artistic tradition portray
ing an exceptional version of Elamite sibitti protective spirits.