March 3, 2026

The Assyrian Sculptures in the Mosul Cultural Museum: A Preliminary Assessment of What Was on Display Before Islamic State's Attack

Key Points

Historical importance of the Mosul Cultural Museum's Assyrian Gallery is documented through photographic evidence.
An inventory of artifacts, including plaster casts previously displayed, was established during the assessment.
Photographic analysis provides insights into the pieces present at the time of the I.S. attack, helping to preserve cultural memory.
Study underscores the need to protect cultural heritage sites from destruction, particularly from extremist threats.

Abstract

After the video released by the Islamic State (hereafter, “I.S.”) group on February 26, 2015 showing the destruction of the treasures of the Mosul Cultural Museum in Iraq, there has been much speculation among scholars about the number of artifacts on exhibit and the presence of plaster casts as opposed to original pieces. By drawing on a new set of photographic evidence provided by Suzanne E. Bott, a U.S. Reconstruction Advisor in Iraq between 2007–10, this article focuses on the Assyrian Gallery and provides an assessment of its finds at the time of the I.S. attack. The article carries out a preliminary audit, and identifies plaster casts, in order to establish an inventory of items on display and their exact location in the premises. Through a virtual tour of the gallery, it is possible for the first time to document the historical importance of the Mosul Cultural Museum and its valuable pieces, thus providing relevant knowledge about a section of an institution which is lost forever.

The Assyrian Sculptures in the Mosul Cultural Museum: A Preliminary Assessment of What Was on Display Before Islamic State's Attack

Key Points

Abstract

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