3525785 Statuette of a man with an oryx, a monkey, and a leopard skin, c.8th century BC (ivory) by Neo-Assyrian; 13.5 high cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA; (add.info.: Nubian tribute bearer showing traits of Phoenician and Egyptian style. The second half of the 8th century BC saw the kingdom of Kush (also known as Nubia) rise to prominence as its rulers extended their control into Egypt. Their new-found power enabled them to play an influential role in the politics of the Near East, particularly with the Neo-Assyrian empire, whose military expansion brought them within striking distance of the Kushites.); out of copyright.