What a 4,500-year-old Mesopotamian sculpture reveals about ancient innovation
A copper-alloy vessel holder, dating back to the Sumerian era, has undergone high-powered CT scanning. This collaborative investigation between The Met and the Republic of Iraq is peeling back the layers of antiquity to reveal the sophisticated engineering behind ancient metalwork.
The object at the center of this research is a Sumerian Vessel Holder with Ibex Support, created approximately between 2600 and 2350 BCE. Crafted from a copper alloy and intricately inlaid with lapis lazuli and shell from the species Lambis truncata, the piece is more than just a relic of ancient Mesopotamia. Through the use of high-powered scanning at a specialized laboratory in Germany, researchers are able to look inside the structure of the sculpture to study its internal composition.
The scans have provided new insights into the ancient art-making technique known as hollow-core lost-wax casting. This method represents a significant technological breakthrough in human history, demonstrating a level of metallurgical sophistication that remains a foundational technique for artists working in metal today. By examining the internal voids and casting patterns, the collaborative team can better understand how ancient craftsmen manipulated molten metal to create complex, hollow forms.
This scientific endeavor is also a story of modern diplomacy and cultural heritage. Following provenance research by scholars at The Met, it was established that the sculpture rightfully belongs to the Republic of Iraq. This led to a partnership between the Museum and His Excellency Nazar Al Khirullah, the Iraqi Ambassador to the United States. The collaboration involves shared research goals and a commitment to advancing the global understanding of human creativity. The process culminated in a formal ceremony at The Met on September 30, 2025, where the work was officially returned to the Republic of Iraq.
Source: Look inside a 4,500-year-old sculpture from Iraq
