Exhibition of Artifacts from Ur Opens in New York

Artifacts from the region of Ur, dominated by the well-developed and sophisticated culture known as the Sumerians 4000 years ago, are now on display at the Morgan Library in New York City.

The artifacts, most of which were discovered in royal tombs 80 years ago by British archaeologist Sir Leonard Wooley, provide stunning evidence of a level of artistry and craftsmanship that far surpasses that of other contemporary cultures.

The excavations at Ur, which is located in Southern Iraq, represent a major milestone in Middle Eastern archaeology.

The objects on display are made from a variety of materials including wood, stone, and metal. One of the highlights of the exhibition is a gold vessel molded in the shape of an ostrich egg and inlaid with lapis lazuli, red limestone and shell.

The exhibition continues in New York until September 10, before traveling on to Chicago and Detroit.