Assyria was a major ancient Mesopotamian civilisation, initially starting off as a city-state before becoming an empire from the 14th to the 7th century BC. The most common material for Mesopotamian artists to use was clay; it was used for pottery, monumental buildings and tablets used to record history and for administration purposes. As the Empire expanded across Mesopotamia, art gained influences from different conquered civilisations. By the Neo-Assyrian period, the Assyrian Empire had come to dominate ancient Mesopotamia, and, as the Empire expanded, Assyrian art began to incorporate the different materials, techniques, and styles of its conquered territories.
Belts were worn for decorative and practical purposes in Assyrian culture. It was believed that belts were prestigious decorative elements and therefore produced greater in size than what was accustomed. This allowed the crafter to embellish the belt with further detail and adornments of designs and scenes.
The winged Genii were a recurring motif in Assyrian iconography, appearing prominently in palaces and other places associated with royalty. They were often depicted as male figures, bearded, wearing a diadem or horned helmet, in a tasseled tunic and fringed, ankle-length shawl. The winged Genie symbolised protection, fertility, and abundance, protecting the kingdom of Assyria. They were closely associated with the king and royalty, the wingless Genii rarely differed from depictions of kings. Such a representation on a personal belt would grant protection to the wearer and also a link to the king and the royal family, suggesting that such a belt could have been worn by important dignitaries.