Queen Puabi Choker Necklace

Choker Necklace Adorned Queen Puabi's Neck in Afterlife

A stunning choker necklace was among the trove of treasures discovered adorning the neck of Queen Puabi, a Sumerian royal figure from approximately 2600 BCE. Found in her largely intact tomb at the Royal Cemetery of Ur in modern-day Iraq, the choker is a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and luxurious tastes of early Mesopotamian civilization.

The choker is distinguished by a central, golden rosette with twelve petals. At the heart of this floral motif sits a lapis lazuli bead, with additional lapis inlays accenting every other petal. Extending from either side of this centerpiece are three strands of beads, meticulously crafted from gold and deep blue lapis lazuli. The beads are arranged in a repeating pattern, creating a striking contrast of color and material.

This elegant piece was just one component of an elaborate collection of jewelry that adorned Queen Puabi's body. She was also buried with an elaborate headdress of golden leaves and ribbons, large crescent-shaped earrings, and numerous other necklaces and bracelets fashioned from precious metals and semi-precious stones. The presence of such valuable materials, including lapis lazuli imported from what is now Afghanistan, underscores the extensive trade networks and wealth of the city of Ur during her reign. The choker, along with the other artifacts from her tomb, provides invaluable insight into the royal burial practices, artistry, and cultural sophistication of ancient Sumer.