Ancient jewelry from Ur, Iraq

Kings and queens in Ur had hundreds of attendants at their service. Most of them were women. These handmaidens wore jewelry that reflected the elaborate fashion of their king or queen. The following photos depict a fully dressed queen's handmaiden.

The artifacts were found in Ur, Iraq. They date from 2550-2450 BCE.
The pieces were made of gold except the hair comb & cloak pin which contain also silver. Necklaces were made from lapis and carnelian beads. The same gem stones were set in other pieces.

I saw this interesting exhibition at the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, Philadelphia, PA. 

Isn't it hard to believe that these beautiful artifacts are more than 4,000 years old? I find them especially attractive as I am so fond of jewelry with natural / organic motives. 






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