Standard of Ur - Sumer
Factual Information
From: Tomb 779, Royal Cemetery, Ur, Iraq
Time: 2600 BCE
Artist: Unknown
Time: 2600 BCE
Artist: Unknown
General Information
The Standard of Ur is a burial piece of artwork. It was found inside a large royal tomb. The work represents two sides, one of war and one of peace. The peace sides shows many citizens going about their daily lives, farming carrying goods, or weaving. The war side shows a time of war. Many soldiers with swords and many horses pulling carts running over people are shown.
The exact purpose of the artwork is impossible to know. Speculators have thought it to be a battle standard, a piece of artwork meant to instill fear, that it was a sound box of a musical instrument, or that it was used as a chest to store funds for warfare of civil and religious works.
The exact purpose of the artwork is impossible to know. Speculators have thought it to be a battle standard, a piece of artwork meant to instill fear, that it was a sound box of a musical instrument, or that it was used as a chest to store funds for warfare of civil and religious works.
Why This Artwork?
This Artwork was chosen because of its importance in showing Sumerian daily life. Giving a glimpse into the past as to what life was like back then, as well as information as to how their wars were fought. This is a vital glimpse into their culture, providing a necessary view into their time.