2-580-611 - © CM Dixon/Heritage Images

Detail of the standard of Ur showing a Sumerian Harpist and a Ruler, from a Royal tomb at Ur, southern Iraq, about 2600-2400 BC. Inlay of shell, red limestone, and lapis lazuli in Bitumen on a hollow box. The main panels are known as 'War' and 'Peace'. The 'Peace' panel depicts animals, fish and other goods brought in procession to a banquet. Seated figures drink whilst a musician plays a lyre. From the British Museum's collection.