The Met is collaborating with the Republic of Iraq to research a copper-alloy sculpture from ancient Mesopotamia (ca. 2600–2350 BCE). In a new video, follow the journey of the Vessel Stand with Ibex as it is CT-scanned, allowing researchers to better understand the historically significant art-making technique called hollow-core lost-wax casting used to create the captivating sculpture, and watch as new findings about this innovative work of art are uncovered.
The ibex in the center of this extraordinary work of art is among the oldest known examples of the use of a clay core in casting a human or animal figure by direct lost-wax casting—an innovative breakthrough that enabled the creation of large and complex metal sculptures and continues to be used by artists today. While later large-scale castings from the ancient world have been extensively studied, the much earlier examples from Mesopotamia have not been fully examined until now.
Vessel Stand with Ibex, ca. 2600–2350 BCE. Sumerian. Copper alloy, inlaid with shell (lambis truncata) and lapis lazuli
The Vessel Stand with Ibex was purchased by the Museum in 1974 and was displayed nearly continuously for decades. Recent provenance research by the Museum’s scholars established that the work rightfully belongs to the Republic of Iraq, prompting the Museum to reach out to His Excellency Nazar Al Khirullah, Ambassador of the Republic of Iraq to the United States of America, and offer to return the work. During discussions that followed, The Met and Iraq agreed to embark on collaborative research on the sculpture, including sending it for high-powered scanning at the Fraunhofer-Institute, a specialized lab in Germany, a demonstration of a shared commitment to advancing the understanding of human history and creativity. The work was returned to the Republic of Iraq in a ceremony at The Met on September 30, 2025, and will be the subject of an upcoming Cultural Heritage Now program at The Met in which further research and findings will be shared.
This return follows the launch of The Met’s Cultural Property Initiative, announced in 2023, which includes undertaking a focused review of works in the collection. Highlights of that program include the appointment of a new Head of Provenance, who now leads the world’s largest team dedicated to researching object histories, and a new series of talks focusing on cultural heritage. The Met has long engaged with countries around the globe as part of its commitment to the shared stewardship of the world’s cultural heritage, and has established key international partnerships, including landmark agreements for collaboration and shared stewardship with the Republics of Greece, Yemen, and India, among others. You can learn more about our collecting practices on our website.
The Met is grateful to His Excellency Nazar Al Khirullah and his team at the Embassy—as well as many colleagues in Iraq for the ongoing collaboration—and looks forward to continuing efforts to foster knowledge and appreciation of Iraqi art and culture, particularly as the Museum prepares for the renovation and reopening of our galleries for the art of Ancient West Asia and Ancient Cyprus in 2027.
