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Queens Lyre from Ur, southern Iraq, c2600-c2400 BC
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Queens Lyre from Ur, southern Iraq, c2600-c2400 BC
Queens Lyre from Ur, southern Iraq, c2600-c2400 BC. Stringed instrument with a bulls head. The front panels are made of lapis lazuli, shell and red limestone originally set in bitumen. The gold mask decorating the front of the sounding box had been crushed and had to be restored. While the horns are modern, the beard, hair and eyes are original and made of lapis lazuli. This was one of two found in the grave of Queen Pu-abi, part of the Royal Tombs in the cemetery at Ur in southern Iraq. From the British Museums collection
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Media ID 14851721
© CM Dixon / Heritage-Images
Ancient City Bitumen British Museum Bull Grave Horn Lapis Lazuli Limestone Lyre Mesopotamia Mesopotamian Shell Stringed Instrument Mike Dixon
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the exquisite Queens Lyre from Ur, a mesmerizing artifact dating back to approximately 2600-2400 BC. This stringed instrument with a distinctive bull's head design is an extraordinary example of ancient craftsmanship and artistic expression. The front panels are adorned with precious materials such as lapis lazuli, shell, and red limestone originally set in bitumen. Although the gold mask decorating the sounding box had suffered damage over time, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory. While the horns have been replaced with modern replicas, the beard, hair, and eyes remain original and crafted from stunning lapis lazuli. Discovered within Queen Pu-abi's grave at the Royal Tombs in Ur's cemetery in southern Iraq, this lyre holds immense historical significance. It offers us a glimpse into Mesopotamian culture and burial practices during that era. Preserved within the renowned British Museum's collection, this artifact symbolizes both beauty and power through its intricate details and symbolic representation of animals. Its presence evokes thoughts on life after death as well as human creativity throughout history. The Queens Lyre from Ur serves as a testament to our ancestors' deep appreciation for music and artistry while providing invaluable insights into ancient civilizations that once thrived in Mesopotamia.
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