Ancient Mesopotamia Art, Music, Crafts

The Sumerians were wonderful craftsmen. They made jewelry of precious gold and lapis, fancy chairs, and unglazed vases that kept water cool. They were not very good at huge stone sculptures because their artists did not have stone with which to work. But they made beautiful things with the materials on hand. 

One of the things they did very well was to create colorful mosaics in intricate and beautiful patterns using little pieces of painted clay. Archaeologists have found remains of their mosaics, helmets, harps, jewelry, pottery, and decorated tablets.

They made such beautiful pottery from the wet soil that their pottery became a form of wealth. Pottery was traded for food, clothing, and jewelry.

They had many musical instruments, including the harp, reed pipes, drums, and the lyre.  

Art of the First Cities

Mesopotamian Art

The Great Lyre (found in the Royal Tombs of Ur) 

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