Sumerian silver lyre 38 x 47 incnes - 2600-2400 BC - British Museum
found at the Royal Tombs of Ur (Royal Cemetary)
The silver lyre was found in the 'Great Death-Pit', one of the graves in the Royal Cemetary at Ur. The silver cow's head hasinlaid eyes of shell and lapis lazuli. The edges of the box also have a border of shell and lapis lazuli inlay. Eleven silver tubes acted as the tuning pegs. This was used as a musical instrument probably accompanied by a singer. Depictions of the lyre can be seen on the Royal Standard of Ur, where a lyrist performs at a banquet.
