The "boat-shaped" lyre: restudy of a unique musical instrument from Ur

Article Abstract:

Reconstruction study of the pieces of a stringed instrument unearthed at the Royal Cemetery in the ancient city of Ur revealed that the parts made up only one instrument. Initial attempts to assemble the parts of the instrument were hampered by the deteriorating condition of the artifact. However, advances in imaging technologies, such as computerized axial tomography and x-ray, enabled conservators to successfully put the parts together. The results yielded a stag-headed boat-shaped lyre which was strung from the yoke.

author: Schauensee, Maude de
Remodeling and renovation, Stringed instruments

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Ur and its treasures: the royal tombs

Article Abstract:

Archeological excavations at the ancient city of Ur yielded a royal cemetery with pieces of treasures which provided a wealth of information on the lifestyle of people in the city. The endeavor was a joint project of the British Museum and the University of Pennsylvania Museum headed by British archeologist Leonard Woolley as Director. The group's most important find was the tomb of Queen Puabi, wherein intact pieces of artifacts depicting Sumerian lifestyles and symbols of their belief were unearthed.

author: Horne, Lee
Joint ventures, British Museum, University of Pennsylvania

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Astragali, the ubiquitous gaming pieces

Article Abstract:

The use of astragali as ubiquitous gaming pieces is a striking archaeological discovery that highlights the development of numerous games over the millennia. The persistence of astragali as gaming pieces at the Gordion archaeological site from the late Bronze Age through the Medieval period points to their modification and grinding, setting them apart from astragali in food remains. The association of astragali with the burials of children and adolescents reinforce their status as gaming pieces.

author: Dandoy, Jeremiah
Antiquities, Religious aspects, Gordium (Ancient city), Anklebone, Talus (Anklebone)

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subjects list: Discovery and exploration, Ur (Ancient city), Cities and towns, Ruined, extinct, etc., Abandoned settlements
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