The Old Babylonian period describes south Mesopotamia in the period about 2000-1600 BC. The early years saw a number of important states dominating the region: Isin, Larsa, Eshnunna and, from 1894 BC, Babylon. Babylon was ruled by a dynasty of Amorite kings. The sixth ruler was Hammurapi, who defeated the other southern states and expanded his control into north Mesopotamia. On the death of Hammurapi the empire gradually shrank over about 150 years. Nonetheless, Babylon remained an important power until it was sacked by the Hittite king, Mursili I, in about 1595 BC. During the Old Babylonian period literary activity flourished with scribes composing and recording religious, poetic and 'scientific' works in Sumerian and Akkadian cuneiform. Perhaps the most famous monument is the stele of Hammurapi, now in the Musée du Louvre, Paris.

Ceramic plaques of this sort were an important part of the material culture and religious life of Mesopotamian civilisations. They have been excavated in temples as well as household shrines in private homes. Their subject matter varies widely, including religious images, mythological and erotic scenes, and representations of rulers and gods. In this case we observe a representation on Nergal, god of the netherworld. The cult of Nergal was widespread beyond the borders of Sumer and Akkad, where it first appeared. He had a sanctuary at Mari (modern Tell al-Ḥarīrī), on the Euphrates. While Nergal is King of the underworld he is also worshipped as a benefactor of men, who hears prayers, restores the dead to life and protects agriculture and flocks. Bulls and lions were associated with Nergal, thus both the God and his entourage were often represented with bull ear, like on this plaque.

This artefact has a close comparable in a relief plaque depicting Nergal, god of the netherworld (c. 1800 BCE - 1600 BCE), preserved at the Princeton University Art Museum, Princeton, NJ (inventory number 2002-74).