Laser Engraving Gulf Pearl Shell - Aiding the Reconstruction of the Lyre of Ur
Abstract
The Lyre of Ur was one of two bull's-headed harp instruments that British archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley recovered from a mass grave during his highly publicised excavations of Ur's Royal Cemetery in the 1920s and 1930s in Iraq. Recreated unplayable models of the Lyre are held in Pennsylvania, London and, until recently before it was vandalised, the Baghdad Museum. It is believed that the original Lyre is approximately 4,750 years old. An attempt to recreate an authentic playable version is being spearheaded by Mr. A. Lowings of Stamford. The instrument is to be ornamented by a golden-sheeted bull's head and geometrically inlaid lapis lazuli as well as engraved gulf pearl shell plaques depicting Sumerian images, which are to be placed on the front of the lyre. Authentic cedar wood from Baghdad was used to create the main framework of the lyre. Due to the intricate designs required for the shell plaques, an investigation to laser engrave them was undertaken.
- Publication:
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Lasers in the Conservation of Artworks
- Pub Date:
- 2007
- DOI:
- 10.1007/978-3-540-72130-7_68
- Bibcode:
- 2007lca..book..573R
- Keywords:
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- Physics