Ram in a Thicket. Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ram in a Thicket

The “Ram in a Thicket” is an ancient Sumerian artifact from the Early Dynastic period, around 2600–2400 BCE. It was discovered in the Royal Cemetery of Ur, which is located in modern-day Iraq. The artifact is actually one of a pair and was found by archaeologist Sir Leonard Woolley during his excavations in the 1920s.

The “Ram in a Thicket” is a small statuette that depicts a goat or ram standing on its hind legs, reaching up to nibble on the leaves of a tree or bush. The figure is intricately detailed and made of precious materials such as gold leaf, silver, lapis lazuli, copper, and shell, mounted on a wooden core.

The name “Ram in a Thicket” was given by Woolley, referencing the Biblical story of the sacrifice of Isaac, where a ram is caught in a thicket. Although the figure has no direct connection to the Biblical story, the name has stuck.

This artifact is considered one of the masterpieces of Sumerian art and provides valuable insight into the craftsmanship, religious symbolism, and cultural practices of ancient Mesopotamia. One of the “Rams” is housed in the British Museum in London, and the other is in the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia.

Let’s discuss this iconic artifact with the help of a few questions.

What is the history behind the discovery and excavation of the Ram in a Thicket?

The discovery of the “Ram in a Thicket” is closely tied to the broader excavation of the Royal Cemetery of Ur, one of the most significant archaeological finds of the 20th century. Here’s a more focused history of the discovery and excavation of this particular artifact:

Excavation of the Royal Cemetery of Ur

• 1922–1934: The excavation of the Royal Cemetery at Ur was conducted by a joint expedition of the British Museum and the University of Pennsylvania, under the direction of Sir Leonard Woolley. Woolley, a pioneering archaeologist, led a series of excavations that unearthed thousands of graves, including 16 royal tombs filled with a wealth of artifacts.
• 1928: During the 1927-1928 excavation season, Woolley’s team uncovered the “Ram in a Thicket” in one of the royal graves. The “Ram in a Thicket” is not from a burial chamber but was instead found in what Woolley identified as a “death pit,” a type of grave that included multiple human sacrifices, indicating the grave’s high status.

Discovery of the “Ram in a Thicket”

• Location: The “Ram in a Thicket” was discovered near the tomb of Queen Puabi, one of the most famous and well-preserved graves in the cemetery. It was found lying on its side, buried under debris. Woolley’s team carefully excavated the artifact, recognizing its significance due to its intricate craftsmanship and the materials used.
• Significance: The “Ram in a Thicket” is actually one of a pair of similar statues found at Ur. Both figures depict a goat standing on its hind legs, reaching up to nibble on a flowering tree or shrub. The artifact was named by Woolley after the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, though it has no direct connection to that narrative.

Material Composition and Restoration

• Materials: The “Ram in a Thicket” is made from a variety of precious materials, including gold leaf, lapis lazuli, and silver. It was originally mounted on a wooden core, which had deteriorated over the millennia, leaving the fragile ornamentation in a precarious state.
• Restoration: After its discovery, the “Ram in a Thicket” underwent careful restoration. Conservators stabilized the remaining materials and reassembled the figure, allowing it to be displayed in museums.

Woolley’s Approach

Leonard Woolley was known for his meticulous excavation techniques, and the discovery of the “Ram in a Thicket” is a prime example of his methodical approach. His work at Ur set new standards in archaeology, emphasizing careful documentation, preservation, and interpretation of finds.

The “Ram in a Thicket” remains one of the most celebrated artifacts from the Royal Cemetery of Ur, embodying the wealth, craftsmanship, and religious significance of Sumerian society.

What are the main characteristics of the artifact?

Here are the main characteristics of the “Ram in a Thicket”:

Physical Description

• Form: The artifact depicts a goat or ram standing on its hind legs, seemingly reaching up to nibble on the leaves of a small tree or bush. The ram’s posture gives the impression of liveliness and movement.
• Size: The figure is relatively small, standing about 16 inches (approximately 40 centimeters) tall, including its base.
• Base: The ram is mounted on a rectangular base, which was originally wooden but has since deteriorated, leaving the figure to be stabilized with modern materials during restoration.

Materials

• Gold Leaf: The body of the ram is covered in thin sheets of gold leaf, giving it a lustrous appearance. This suggests the figure was a luxury item, intended for a high-status individual or a religious context.
• Lapis Lazuli: The fleece of the ram, particularly around the neck and shoulders, is depicted using small, carefully inlaid pieces of lapis lazuli, a precious blue stone highly valued in ancient Mesopotamia.
• Shell: The inner parts of the ram’s ears and some other small details are made of shell, adding to the figure’s textural richness.
• Silver: The tree or bush that the ram is reaching up towards is made from silver, though much of it has oxidized over time.
• Bitumen: Bitumen, a natural tar-like substance, was used as an adhesive to hold various materials together.

Craftsmanship

• Detailing: The craftsmanship of the “Ram in a Thicket” is exceptionally detailed, especially in the inlay work on the ram’s fleece and the intricate gold leaf application. The realism and precision of the figure reflect the high level of skill possessed by Sumerian artisans.
• Three-Dimensionality: The figure is fully three-dimensional and was likely intended to be viewed from all sides, emphasizing its sculptural qualities.

The “Ram in a Thicket” is celebrated not only for its beauty but also for what it reveals about the religious and social practices of ancient Sumer. It remains one of the most iconic artifacts from the Royal Cemetery of Ur, embodying the sophistication and wealth of the Sumerian civilization.

How has the artifact been preserved over the years?

The preservation of the “Ram in a Thicket” has been a complex and delicate process due to the age and fragility of the materials used in its construction. Here’s how the artifact has been preserved over the years:

Initial Discovery and Condition

• Condition at Discovery: When Sir Leonard Woolley discovered the “Ram in a Thicket” in the Royal Cemetery of Ur in 1928, the artifact was in a fragile state. The wooden core that supported the figure had largely decayed, and many of the materials, including the gold leaf, silver, lapis lazuli, and shell, were at risk of further deterioration.
• Immediate Measures: Recognizing the artifact’s significance, Woolley and his team took immediate steps to stabilize it during the excavation. This involved carefully extracting the figure from the earth and using temporary supports to prevent further damage.

Restoration

• Early Restoration Efforts: After the “Ram in a Thicket” was removed from the site, it underwent initial restoration. Conservators focused on reassembling the disintegrated parts and reinforcing the structure. They used adhesives to reattach loose elements and replaced the decayed wooden core with modern materials to provide support.
• Use of Modern Materials: To preserve the artifact’s integrity, conservators used modern techniques and materials that were chemically stable and reversible. This included applying new adhesives that would not damage the original materials and could be removed or replaced if necessary in the future.

Ongoing Conservation

• Climate-Controlled Environments: Both figures of the “Ram in a Thicket” are now housed in climate-controlled environments at the British Museum in London and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia. These environments carefully regulate temperature, humidity, and light exposure to slow the natural deterioration of the materials.
• Regular Monitoring: The artifacts are regularly monitored by conservators who check for signs of wear, deterioration, or damage. This allows for early intervention if any issues arise, such as changes in the condition of the gold leaf or oxidation of the silver components.
• Preventive Conservation: In addition to environmental controls, the museums implement preventive conservation measures, such as limiting exposure to direct light, which can cause fading and other forms of degradation in materials like gold and lapis lazuli.

Public Display and Education

• Exhibition: The “Ram in a Thicket” has been carefully displayed in museum settings where the public can view it, but in a manner that minimizes potential harm. Exhibits are designed to protect the artifact from physical contact, vibrations, and fluctuating environmental conditions.
• Educational Role: By preserving the “Ram in a Thicket,” museums provide valuable educational opportunities, allowing scholars and the public to learn about ancient Sumerian culture. This artifact is often featured in publications, exhibitions, and lectures, highlighting the importance of its preservation.

Challenges in Preservation

• Material Deterioration: Over time, the materials used in the “Ram in a Thicket” continue to pose challenges. For example, the silver elements are prone to tarnishing and corrosion, while the lapis lazuli can lose its luster if not properly cared for.
• Ethical Considerations: Conservators also face ethical decisions about how much restoration is appropriate. The goal is to preserve the artifact as close to its original condition as possible without altering its historical authenticity.

Modern Conservation Techniques

• Non-Invasive Techniques: Modern conservation practices favor non-invasive techniques, such as using X-rays, infrared imaging, and other non-destructive methods to study the artifact without causing harm. These methods help conservators understand the artifact’s composition and condition without needing to take it apart.
• Documentation: Detailed records are kept of all conservation work performed on the “Ram in a Thicket,” ensuring that future conservators can understand the artifact’s condition and the treatments it has received. This documentation is crucial for ongoing preservation efforts.

Through careful and ongoing conservation efforts, the “Ram in a Thicket” has been preserved for nearly a century since its discovery. These efforts ensure that this invaluable piece of ancient Sumerian art remains intact and accessible for future generations to study and admire.

What is the significance and legacy of the Ram in a Thicket?

The “Ram in a Thicket” holds significant cultural, artistic, and historical importance, and its legacy continues to influence our understanding of ancient Mesopotamian civilization. Here are the key aspects of its significance and legacy:

Cultural and Religious Significance

• Symbolism: The “Ram in a Thicket” is believed to have had religious or ceremonial significance in ancient Sumerian society. Its depiction of a ram reaching up to a flowering tree or bush suggests themes of fertility, nature, and possibly divine sustenance. The figure may have been associated with temple rituals or offerings to deities.
• Mythological Connection: While the artifact has been associated with the Biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, this connection is more symbolic than direct. The name “Ram in a Thicket” was given by Leonard Woolley, referencing the story where a ram is caught in a thicket and sacrificed in place of Isaac. This naming highlights the artifact’s perceived connection to universal themes of sacrifice and redemption, even though it predates the Biblical narrative by millennia.

Artistic Significance

• Masterpiece of Sumerian Art: The “Ram in a Thicket” is considered one of the finest examples of Sumerian art from the Early Dynastic period (circa 2600–2400 BCE). Its intricate craftsmanship, use of precious materials like gold leaf, lapis lazuli, and silver, and the lifelike posture of the ram all demonstrate the advanced artistic skills of Sumerian artisans.
• Three-Dimensional Sculpture: The figure’s three-dimensional quality and the attention to detail in its design set it apart as a significant work of ancient sculpture. The combination of materials and the realistic depiction of the ram have influenced the way scholars view the development of artistic techniques in early Mesopotamian cultures.

Historical Significance

• Insight into Sumerian Society: The “Ram in a Thicket” provides valuable insights into the social, religious, and economic aspects of Sumerian society. The use of luxury materials suggests that it was made for an elite individual or for use in a temple, reflecting the wealth and social stratification of ancient Ur.
• Discovery of the Royal Cemetery: The artifact’s discovery in the Royal Cemetery of Ur, alongside other remarkable finds like Queen Puabi’s tomb, has greatly enriched our understanding of Sumerian burial practices, beliefs about the afterlife, and the role of human sacrifice in royal funerals.

Impact on Archaeology

• Archaeological Methodology: The excavation of the “Ram in a Thicket” by Leonard Woolley was part of a broader excavation of the Royal Cemetery of Ur, which set new standards in archaeological methodology. Woolley’s systematic approach to excavation, careful documentation, and emphasis on preservation have influenced the field of archaeology and set a precedent for future excavations.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: The study of the “Ram in a Thicket” has encouraged interdisciplinary research, involving experts in archaeology, art history, conservation, and materials science. This has led to a deeper understanding of ancient Mesopotamian culture and the technical skills of its people.

Legacy in Modern Culture

• Museological Significance: The “Ram in a Thicket” is now housed in two of the world’s leading museums—the British Museum in London and the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia. It is a centerpiece in exhibitions on ancient Mesopotamia and continues to draw attention from scholars, students, and the public.
• Cultural Icon: The “Ram in a Thicket” has become an iconic symbol of ancient Mesopotamian civilization. It is frequently featured in books, documentaries, and educational programs about the ancient Near East, symbolizing the artistic and cultural achievements of the Sumerians.
• Inspiration for Art and Literature: The artifact has inspired modern artists, writers, and historians, who see in it a connection to humanity’s ancient past and a symbol of the enduring legacy of one of the world’s earliest civilizations.

Continued Research and Preservation

• Ongoing Study: Scholars continue to study the “Ram in a Thicket” to learn more about its origins, purpose, and the context in which it was created. Advances in technology, such as non-invasive imaging techniques, have allowed researchers to gain new insights into the artifact without damaging it.
• Conservation Efforts: The ongoing conservation of the “Ram in a Thicket” ensures that it remains preserved for future generations. This artifact serves as a case study in the importance of preserving cultural heritage and the challenges involved in conserving ancient materials.

The “Ram in a Thicket” remains a powerful testament to the sophistication and creativity of the Sumerian civilization. Its legacy continues to influence the fields of archaeology, art history, and cultural studies, making it a timeless symbol of humanity’s ancient past.

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