Art and Life in the Ancient World: The Standard of Ur

Overview of the Standard of Ur

• Reconstruction: The Standard of Ur is a mosaic mounted on a wooden box. The wood has not survived, but the mosaic pieces have.
• Function: Scholars believe it had two holes on the bottom for carrying like a banner in processions.

Details of the Object

• Material: Inlaid shell, lapis lazuli, and limestone on wood.
• Iconography: The figures and symbols tell detailed stories about war and peace.
• Terminology:
  • Hierarchical Scale: The most important figure is larger than others.
  • Composition: How figures and symbols are laid out.
  • Registers: Horizontal bands of information.

The War Side

• Description: Known as the War Side, it depicts a battle scene.
  • Key Features:
    • 4 sets of horse-drawn chariots overlapping each other.
    • Soldiers in the middle register, showing stages of battle.
    • Central leader figure, upright and composed, indicating importance.

The Peace Side

• Description: Known as the Peace Side, it depicts a celebration after victory.
  • Key Features:
    • Seated figures, indicating elite status.
    • Central, larger figure receiving toasts and praises.
    • Scenes of music, offerings, and banquets.

Cylinder Seals

• Description: Small carved stones used like stamps or signatures.
  • Function: Rolled over wet clay to sign documents or seal products.
  • Details:
    • Found in many cultures and often include names of elites or rulers.
    • Example: Actual seal and its impression showing high elite with crown and scepter.

Musical Instruments: The Lyre

• Description: A type of harp, known from its decorative bullhead and inlaid design.
  • Components: Bullhead made of lapis lazuli and gold-leafed horns.
  • Registers: Four registers of information with various scenes.

Iconography of the Lyre

• Top Register: Human figure in twisted perspective, surrounded by composite figures (bull body, human face).
• Second Register: Upright lion carrying liquid, bear carrying food table.
• Third Register: Bear bringing harp played by another animal.
• Bottom Register: Composite figure (part man, part scorpion) followed by horned creatures carrying cups.

Conclusion

• The Standard of Ur and related artifacts like the lyre and cylinder seals provide significant insights into ancient Near Eastern art, culture, and life.