King Shulgi’s Pair of Gold Earrings
In the vast and storied history of ancient Mesopotamia, the Sumerian civilization stands as one of the earliest and most influential. Among its notable rulers was King Shulgi of Ur (r. 2094–2047 BCE), the second king of the Third Dynasty of Ur, who reigned during the period known as the Ur III period.
Shulgi’s reign was marked by military campaigns, administrative reforms, economic prosperity, and notable cultural achievements that left a lasting impact on the region. One intriguing aspect of his legacy is a pair of gold earrings believed to have been a personal gift from the king, a testament to both the material wealth and intricate artistry of the Sumerian civilization.
In the article below, World History Edu explores the historical, cultural, and symbolic significance of this gift, placing it within the broader context of Sumerian society and examining its craftsmanship, purpose, and the messages it conveyed. The earrings, beyond their aesthetic value, offer insights into Shulgi’s power, divine association, and patronage of the arts, as well as the role of jewelry in Sumerian society.
Shulgi’s cylinder seal
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Historical Context of King Shulgi’s Reign
Shulgi succeeded his father, Ur-Nammu, as ruler of Ur and inherited a kingdom that was expanding its influence across Mesopotamia. The Ur III period marked the resurgence of Sumerian culture and governance after the tumultuous Akkadian period and the subsequent Gutian interregnum. Shulgi’s reign spanned nearly half a century, during which he consolidated power, extended the empire’s boundaries, and initiated extensive administrative reforms that standardized weights, measures, and taxation systems.
Under Shulgi’s leadership, Ur flourished economically and culturally. He invested in infrastructure projects, including the construction and restoration of temples, ziggurats, and irrigation systems that facilitated agricultural growth. Shulgi was also known for his military prowess, conducting campaigns against neighboring peoples such as the Elamites and ensuring the security of Sumerian territories.
Rise and Fall of Sumer, the first-known empire in world history
The Cultural Significance of Jewelry in Sumerian Society
Jewelry played a multifaceted role in ancient Sumerian society, where it was not merely an ornament but a symbol of status, wealth, and divine connection. Both men and women adorned themselves with gold, silver, and lapis lazuli, materials that were imported from distant lands, emphasizing the wealth and far-reaching trade networks of Sumer.
Gold earrings, in particular, were associated with status and often served as gifts marking political alliances, religious offerings, or expressions of favor and protection. These earrings were crafted with remarkable skill by Sumerian artisans, reflecting the sophisticated metalworking techniques of the time. Jewelry was also an essential part of burial rituals, as seen in the Royal Tombs of Ur, where gold, silver, and precious stones accompanied the deceased to the afterlife, ensuring continuity of status and protection in the next world.
A Symbol of Royal Favor: The Gift of Gold Earrings
The pair of gold earrings attributed to King Shulgi was likely given as a token of royal favor or a diplomatic gift. In ancient Mesopotamian culture, such gifts were not merely material offerings but were laden with symbolic significance. By bestowing a gift of finely crafted gold earrings, Shulgi reinforced his authority and divine favor, while also demonstrating the wealth and cultural sophistication of his court.
Potential Recipients of Shulgi’s Gift
The identity of the recipient remains a subject of scholarly debate, but possibilities include a high-ranking official, a temple priestess, or even a foreign dignitary. Sumerian kings often used gifts to cement political alliances or reward loyalty, and jewelry was a favored means of expressing such ties. In some instances, gifts were presented to prominent women of the royal court, such as consorts, daughters, or priestesses who played significant roles in religious and political spheres.
If the earrings were gifted to a temple priestess, this would align with the deeply religious nature of Shulgi’s reign. As a ruler who claimed divine status and sought to strengthen ties between the monarchy and the priesthood, offering gold jewelry to priestesses served as both a symbol of devotion and a means of securing their allegiance.
The pair of gold earrings gifted by King Shulgi transcends its material value, serving as a symbol of power, divine favor, and cultural refinement.
Craftsmanship and Design of the Gold Earrings
The craftsmanship of Sumerian jewelry, particularly during the Ur III period, was characterized by intricate designs, precision in detail, and the use of advanced metallurgical techniques. The gold earrings gifted by Shulgi exemplify these qualities, reflecting the high level of skill possessed by Sumerian artisans.
This pair of golden earrings, dating back to the reign of Shulgi, bears cuneiform inscriptions stating they were a gift from King Shulgi. Displayed at the Sulaymaniyah Museum, Iraq.
Materials and Techniques
Gold, the primary material used in crafting these earrings, was sourced from distant lands such as Anatolia or Egypt, highlighting the extensive trade networks maintained by the Sumerians. Artisans employed sophisticated techniques such as filigree, granulation, and repoussé to create intricate patterns and textures on the surface of the jewelry. These methods involved shaping thin wires of gold, soldering tiny beads, and hammering from the reverse side to create raised designs.
A sculpture work of the head of Shulgi.
Iconography and Symbolism
The design of the earrings often incorporated motifs that carried symbolic meaning. Sumerian jewelry frequently featured images of divine beings, animals, and celestial symbols, all of which conveyed messages of protection, fertility, and divine favor. The earrings from Shulgi’s reign may have included representations of the goddess Inanna (Ishtar), the patroness of love, fertility, and warfare, whose influence was closely tied to royal power.
Functionality and Aesthetics
While the earrings served a decorative purpose, they also embodied cultural ideals and spiritual beliefs. Their circular shape, often seen in Sumerian earrings, symbolized eternity and divine continuity, underscoring the king’s role as a mediator between the earthly and divine realms. The use of gold, a metal associated with immortality and divine radiance, further reinforced the notion of the king’s eternal legacy and connection to the gods.
Religious and Political Dimensions of the Gift
Gifting gold earrings in the context of Sumerian culture was not merely an act of generosity but a deeply symbolic gesture that reinforced political alliances and religious ties. Shulgi’s reign was characterized by his efforts to portray himself as a divinely chosen ruler, and his association with deities such as Nanna (the moon god) and Utu (the sun god) was emphasized through public rituals and offerings.
Temple Offerings and Divine Favor
The earrings may have been offered as a dedication to a temple or a goddess, reaffirming Shulgi’s commitment to maintaining divine favor over his reign. Sumerian kings frequently made lavish donations to temples, ensuring the continued support of the powerful priestly class and reinforcing their legitimacy as rulers. Such offerings were believed to secure divine protection and prosperity for the kingdom.
Political Diplomacy and Alliance Building
Alternatively, the earrings may have been a diplomatic gift presented to a neighboring ruler or foreign dignitary as part of Shulgi’s strategy to secure political alliances. The exchange of luxury goods was a common practice in ancient diplomacy, serving as a tangible expression of goodwill and mutual respect. By gifting finely crafted gold jewelry, Shulgi projected the wealth and cultural sophistication of his kingdom, while fostering diplomatic ties that contributed to the stability of his empire.
The Role of Jewelry in Sumerian Identity and Legacy
Jewelry, including the gold earrings gifted by Shulgi, played a pivotal role in shaping Sumerian identity and preserving the memory of the ruling elite. Through intricate craftsmanship and symbolic motifs, these artifacts conveyed messages of power, devotion, and divine favor that resonated across generations.
Jewelry as Markers of Status and Identity
In Sumerian society, the possession and display of fine jewelry signified one’s social status and connection to the divine. Members of the royal court, high-ranking officials, and temple priestesses adorned themselves with gold and precious stones as a visible manifestation of their privileged position. By gifting gold earrings, Shulgi not only honored the recipient but also reinforced their role within the social and political hierarchy.
Preservation of Legacy through Burial Practices
The inclusion of jewelry in burial practices further underscores its significance in preserving the legacy of the deceased. Archaeological excavations at the Royal Cemetery of Ur have revealed opulent burial sites adorned with gold, silver, and lapis lazuli, reflecting the wealth and status of the elite. These artifacts were intended to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, ensuring their continued status and protection in the spiritual realm.
Shulgi’s Cultural Legacy and Artistic Patronage
King Shulgi’s reign was marked not only by administrative reforms and military conquests but also by his patronage of the arts and literature. His efforts to promote cultural expression and artistic refinement left an enduring legacy that extended beyond his lifetime.
Promotion of Literary and Artistic Traditions
Shulgi’s dedication to cultural development is evident in the wealth of literature produced during his reign, including hymns, royal inscriptions, and administrative records. He commissioned works that praised his accomplishments, immortalizing his legacy in the written word. This literary tradition contributed to the preservation of Sumerian culture and influenced subsequent Mesopotamian civilizations.
Did you know…?
- The earrings of Shulgi symbolize the rich artistic heritage of Mesopotamia and showcase the technical expertise of Sumerian goldsmiths. As one of the most prized artifacts in the Sulaymaniyah Museum, they offer insight into ancient Mesopotamian rituals, beliefs, and societal power dynamics, preserving the legacy of the Ur III period for future generations.
- The gold earrings, dating back to the Ur III period during the reign of King Shulgi (2093–2046 BCE), were gifted to a high-ranking servant named Khazi. They reflect the wealth, craftsmanship, and religious devotion of Mesopotamian society. The earrings were dedicated to the goddess Mammetum, likely to seek divine favor and protection.
Support for Skilled Artisans and Craftsmen
Shulgi’s patronage extended to the artisans who produced the exquisite jewelry and artifacts that adorned the royal court. By fostering a climate of artistic excellence, Shulgi ensured that the craftsmanship of Sumerian artisans reached new heights, resulting in the creation of intricate works that showcased the sophistication of his empire.
Questions and answers
What do the gold earrings look like and how were they crafted?
The earrings resemble half-globular fruit, such as a pumpkin or tangerine, with flattened upper and lower surfaces. They are composed of nine lunar-shaped segments forming a flattened half-ball. Each segment is adorned with vertically carved Akkadian cuneiform inscriptions. The upper surface features a trifoliate motif of three connected circles surrounded by tiny gold spheres, while the lower surface mirrors this design with a double circle at the center.
What does the cuneiform inscription on the earrings reveal?
The cuneiform text indicates that the earrings were dedicated to the goddess Mammetum by King Shulgi for the life of his servant Khazi, a chief official. Mammetum was an Akkadian goddess of fate and destiny associated with the underworld, reflecting Shulgi’s piety and devotion to divine protection.
Through this gift, Shulgi reinforced his authority, honored his allies, and demonstrated his commitment to preserving the spiritual and artistic traditions of Sumerian civilization.
When and where were the earrings discovered?
The precise location and date of excavation remain unknown, although they are believed to have been unearthed in southern Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq. It is unclear whether they were excavated before or after the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. Despite their age of over 4,100 years, the earrings were remarkably well-preserved when acquired by the Sulaymaniyah Museum in 2005.
What is unusual about the condition and authenticity of the earrings?
The earrings’ condition is remarkable for ancient Mesopotamian jewelry, considering their size and 24-carat gold composition. Their shape and carvings differ slightly from other earrings from the same period, raising initial questions about their authenticity. However, subsequent analysis confirmed their legitimacy and historical significance.
How were the earrings documented and shared with the public?
The first photographs of the earrings were taken in 2013 by Osama Shukir Muhammed Amin. These images were widely shared on social media and websites, bringing attention to the earrings’ significance. However, a detailed article specifically focusing on the earrings was only recently published.
What are the distinguishing features of the two earrings?
Earring One has a broken right lower circle on the upper surface, with a single golden sphere at the center of the trifoliate group. Its cuneiform text is read vertically from top to bottom. Six gold spheres on the lower surface are missing. Earring Two mirrors the first in design and inscription, with cuneiform signs evenly distributed and a similar hollow construction.
Were there any misattributions or controversies surrounding the earrings?
In 2014 and 2015, false claims circulated on social media that these earrings belonged to Pu-Abi, a Sumerian queen buried in the Royal Cemetery of Ur, and were discovered by Sir Leonard Woolley. These claims were fabricated and did not align with the true history of the earrings.
