Archaeologists working at the site of ancient Lagash have unearthed a collection of lazurite-encrusted ritual harps, dating back to approximately 2500 BCE. These exquisite instruments were found within a specialized ceremonial chamber, suggesting they played a central role in the "Festival of the First Rain," a critical seasonal event dedicated to the god Enlil.
The discovery is significant as it provides the first physical evidence of the specific musical traditions associated with Sumerian agricultural rites. Analysis of the harp strings indicates they were made from treated animal gut, and the presence of charred grain nearby suggests that musical performances were accompanied by communal bread-sharing rituals.