A 4,500-year-old gold statue discovered in the Royal Cemetery at Ur in southern Iraq is shedding new light on ancient Mesopotamian rituals and customs. The “Ram in the Thicket” statuette, made of gold and lapis lazuli, may have been used in sunrise rituals associated with destiny and the birth of the universe.
The statuette was found broken and crushed by archaeologist Leonard Woolley in 1928. Now reconstructed, it measures 16.7 inches tall. The Penn Museum in Philadelphia displays one of the nearly identical statuettes, while the British Museum in London houses the larger version.
Experts believe that the statuette may represent a markhor goat, but its resemblance to biblical stories led Woolley to name it after the ram sacrificed by Abraham. The heads and legs are made of wood covered in gold leaf, while copper and silver were used for other details. Lapis lazuli stones adorn the horns and fleece.
Researchers speculate that the pair of goat statuettes served as offering stands, supporting small bowls that didn’t survive. However, they may have also held spiritual significance. The thicket represents a cosmic tree connecting heaven and Earth, with rosettes symbolizing the heavens and leaves signifying the earth.
In ancient Mesopotamia, sunrise was crucial, often associated with destiny and the birth of the universe. Rituals involving the sun god Shamash involved animal sacrifices between sunset and sunrise. The “Ram in the Thicket” statuettes are likely seen as suitable furnishings for a royal tomb, reflecting this significance.
This discovery highlights the importance of ancient Mesopotamian culture, providing insights into their spiritual practices and daily rituals.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/ram-in-the-thicket-a-4-500-year-old-gold-statue-from-the-royal-cemetery-at-ur