{The Ur Standard}[22nd December 1990]

[Redbook8:139-141][19901222:1304]{The Ur Standard}[22nd December 1990]

19901222.1304

‘Reconstructed from numerous fragments of lapis lazuli, shell, and reddened limestone, the Ur “Standard” is still the most colourful treatment of two perennial themes of the Sumerian Heroic Age,* that of the Victorious Battle[,] and the Banquet or Symposium Scene.’**

‘On the “war” side are wagons and infantry in battle, while in the top register a central leader, much larger than the other figures, receives bound and yoked prisoners.  The military engagement is stylised, for the vanquished are already without armour or clothes, but the victors are represented with attention to detail.  Particularly notable are the high-fronted wagons, each with driver and, standing behind him on a projecting platform, an ax[e]- or spear[-]man.’***

‘The onagers**** link the two sides, since they recur, without wagons, on the “peace” panel in a procession of variously dressed persons leading other animals and carrying a fish, a lamb, baskets and sacks.  These probably represent the spoils of the victory being celebrated by an assembly of seated figures, about to drink, to the accompaniment of a lyre and singer or dancer.  Again, a larger man is shown in this top register, attired in a fleeced skirt rather than the plain ones of the six who face him beyond two attendants.  The reality of detail is confirmed by the discovery of identical bull-fronted lyres from the same cemetery.  Moreover, statues of figures holding cups, as here, are also known from Sumer, and the long hair that distinguishes the person on the far right also adorns a roughly contemporary statue of Urnanske, who is identified as a singer.’#

*(c3000-2371BCE)

**– E[ncylopaedia of] V[isual] A[rt] 1:60

See also the illustrations on E[ncylopaedia of] V[isual] A[rt] 1:60-61, esp[ecially] the end panel showing turning goats.

(The whole 2 pages are now copied overleaf [in the ms, but are not reproduced in the ts])

*** – ibid [Encylopaedia of Visual Art 1:60]

(The whole 2 pages are now copied overleaf [in the ms, but are not reproduced in the ts])

****(a type of wild ass)

#– ibid [Encylopaedia of Visual Art 1:] 60-61

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