Cup, c2600–2500 Mesopotamia/Sumerian from Nippur Now in the MET

 

Cup, c2600–2500 Mesopotamia/Sumerian from Nippur
Now in the MET

The cup, dating to approximately 2600–2500 BCE, originates from Nippur, an ancient city in Sumer, Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq. This piece, now part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a small and simple artifact, measuring 4.49 inches (11.4 cm) in height. It can be viewed through the museum’s online collection here.

Made from clay, the cup is unadorned and reflects a utilitarian purpose rather than ceremonial or funerary use. The surface appears smooth, likely the result of careful shaping and finishing before firing, though it retains the natural texture of its material without evidence of buffing or polishing. The lack of painted decoration or intricate designs indicates it was probably crafted for everyday use, serving practical needs in a household or community setting rather than as a grave good or symbolic object.

The cup’s form is simple, with a functional shape designed for holding liquids or small quantities of substances. It lacks representational or abstract designs, and no space or forms are delineated on its surface. This contrasts with more elaborately decorated pottery from the same period, which often includes geometric or symbolic patterns. The absence of such detail underscores the cup’s everyday function, aligning it with items used in the daily life of ancient Sumerians rather than in ritualistic or high-status contexts.

Its historical context provides further insight into its role and significance. Nippur was a major religious and cultural center in Sumer, and objects like this cup would have been part of the material culture of its inhabitants. While some artifacts from this era were included as grave goods, this cup’s simplicity and lack of adornment suggest it was not created for ceremonial or afterlife purposes. Instead, it likely reflects the everyday tools of ordinary Sumerians, offering a glimpse into daily life in an early Mesopotamian city-state.

Provenance is the history of ownership and origin of an artifact, tracing where it came from, who owned it, and how it ended up in its current location. It’s important because it helps establish an artifact’s authenticity, cultural context, and legal ownership, while also providing insight into its historical and archaeological significance.

The provenance of the cup ties it to Nippur, a site extensively excavated by archaeologists since the late 19th century. Many artifacts from Nippur, including this cup, were removed during these excavations and distributed to museums worldwide. While this has raised ethical questions about the removal of cultural heritage, such objects have allowed for significant advances in the study of Mesopotamian history and daily life. The cup remains in good condition, with no visible signs of significant restoration, reflecting the durability of the fired clay and the care with which it was made.

Although the cup’s maker is unknown, it was likely crafted under conditions typical of early Sumerian pottery production, involving skilled artisans who shaped and fired clay by hand or with rudimentary tools. Its lack of decoration does not diminish its historical value, as it provides important evidence of the practical objects used by ancient Sumerians in their daily lives.