Technological Aspects of Selected Gold Objects from Ur - Preliminary Results and Perspectives

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to present preliminary results of a study of selected goldwork from the Royal Cemetery of Ur focusing on the technological aspects. This work offers a first glance on the large variety of fine metalworking techniques used by Mesopotamian goldsmiths of the 3^rd millennium BC. Non-invasive methods were used to determine the nature of form, decoration and constituent elements of the objects, and the chaîne opératoire of their manufacturing techniques. The aim is to illustrate the high standard and  level of specialization of Sumerian fine metalworking techniques and to discuss the types of materials and tools used in goldsmith’s workshops.