Almanac of Commercial Entertainment in Ancient Mesopotamian Cities Wiki

Preserved shadow puppets from the late Ur III period, showing intricate cutwork and jointing mechanisms

Reconstructed interior of a shadow puppet temple in Uruk showing the traditional tiered seating and translucent performance screen

A clay tablet containing Enlil-nasir's original technical drawings for his revolutionary joint system

A preserved limestone relief depicting Enlil-nasir demonstrating puppet manipulation techniques, discovered in the ruins of his workshop in Larsa

Technical drawing from a clay tablet showing the innovative joint mechanism developed by the guild

Reconstructed workshop space of the Artisans of Moving Forms guild in Larsa, showing specialized tools and materials used in puppet creation

A clay tablet detailing a performance contract between a guild member and a wealthy household in Lagash

Ancient relief depicting a member of the Guild of Wandering Tales performing in a noble household, discovered in Eridu

Preserved collection of guild revenue tablets showing detailed payment records for household performances

Reconstructed view of a Sumerian entertainment venue in Nippur, showing the distinctive three-tiered seating arrangement

A preserved clay tablet from Ur detailing the profits of a traveling storyteller troupe, circa 2300 BCE

A guild seal impression from Uruk showing symbols associated with the entertainment industry, including musical instruments and theatrical masks

Almanac of Commercial Entertainment in Ancient Mesopotamian Cities Gallery