Assignment 2: The Uruk Vase

Please write a 2-3 page paper (assuming double spaced, 12 font) on some aspect of the Uruk Vase, which we have discussed in class in the light of Zainab Bahrani’s article. Your paper could focus on such issues as the following, but not limited to them (this is just to give you an idea about the variety of options):

• Archaeological context of the vase,
• Pictorial narrative structure of the vase,
• The sacred marriage debate in relation to the interpretations of the vase,
• Performance, performativity and ritual on the vase,
• Plants, animals, humans and the hierarchical representation of the world on the vase
• A response to/critique of Zainab Bahrani’s article,
• The recent looting of the vase from Iraq Museum in Baghdad during the American invasion of Iraq, its destruction and recovery.

Some of these issues will require some further research and reading. Please use the library resources, especially the books on reserve for this class. I will be happy to help you in suggesting readings and locating them. In your papers, use a standard referencing system (see handout).

Due: Wednesday October 11th in class.