Cone mosaic

Cone mosaic

3300–3100 BCE

1653

visual works

Iraq (nation)

Warka (ruins)

Uruk

mosaics (visual works)

View of cone mosaics at Uruk in Iraq. "This mosaic is formed by small clay cones which, pointed end first, have been pressed tightly together into a wall coated with a thick layer of wet plaster. The flat ends of the cones are painted black, red, and white. Such mosaics originated in southern Mesopotamia and were used to decorate monumental mud-brick cult and palace architecture during the second half of the fourth millennium B.C. ... The decorative patterns produced often formed lozenges, triangles, and straight and zigzag bands. Such designs were possibly based on patterns formed by wickerwork and on textiles. The dominant pattern in this mosaic fragment is a row of black triangles. Such work was not simply decorative. Sheathing mud-brick outer walls and pillars with mosaics made of harder materials helped to minimize weathering from wind and water,"--The British Museum's website.

clay products

jpeg

©2013 Lawrence Technological University. These images may be used for personal or educational purposes. They are not available for commercial purposes without the explicit permission of LTU.

A1SUWAR2-53000BE2A2