The Art of Mesopotamia

         The Sumerian city was one of the world’s first cities and the Ubaidians were among the first people. Evidence shows that the abundance of people and labor force led to the different types of arts being produced and industries formed. Early Sumerian period evidence shows the different things being made like tablets for writing, copper, gold, and silver worked by the metal smiths, daggers with metal blades and wooden handles, and copper hammered into plates, necklaces or collars were made of gold. For instance, gold was made into beautiful weapons that were worn like the example I have of a Sumerian dagger. The hilt and sheathe are both decorated. There was also the Uruk period and artifacts have been found from the Taurus Mountains in turkey to the Mediterranean Sea in the west to the central Iran. A piece of sumerian art is this dagger. 

Sumerian dagger, unearthed in present-day Iraq, 

from 2600 B.C.E. Private Collection

            Lagash was an ancient city that was conquered by Akkad. However this was only temporary and once their rule ended Lagash regained its previously dethroned rulers, Ur Bau and Gudea. Gudea imported many things like gold and copper and during his time artistic development was very high. Gudea contributed to this development. He had many statues and idols made of him and placed in many temples. As shown in my provided example the figures were made with realistic details He also oversaw many state run projects like the advancement of the textile company, the production of wool and linen clothing, and coins made of copper, bronze, gold, or silver for trading. An example of a statue of Gudea

Seating diorite statue of Gudea, prince of Lagash, dedicated to the god Ningishzida. Circa 2120 BC. Diorite. Louvre Museum Department of Oriental antiquities, Richelieu, ground floor, room 1. AO 3293 (head) & AO 4108 (body). 

46 cm x 33 cm x 22.5 cm

            The history of Babylon is filled with takeover and them constantly being forced into the rule of another king or empire. It was at one point a center of arts, learning and commerce. It also had people of talented architectural skills because the remains of Babylon hold one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the hanging gardens of Babylon. As well it had the eight spectacular gates that surrounded the perimeter of Babylon. The Hittites were an ancient Anatolian people who belonged to the Bronze Age. However they were considered the forerunners of the Iron Age. They were making iron artifacts as early as the fourteenth century, as well as getting letters from foreign rulers demanding their iron products. A show of their craftsmanship is the picture I have of a silver Hittite bull figure. The metalwork that was done on this piece is smooth and detailed and very beautifully made. An example of Hittite art

Silver Hittite bull figure. British Museum