SAFEGUARDING IRAQ’S ANCIENT HISTORY: One Sumerian miniature at a time

By Murtada al-Hudoud in Dhi Qar

In a small workshop on the rooftop of an apartment building in the heart of the central Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, a young artist Alaa Dali is giving new life to an ancient people. Dali is busy making miniatures of Sumerian and Assyrian kings.

The young man’s fascination with this kind of history began during childhood: His hometown Nasiriyah is filled with archaeological treasures.

“The stories of this ancient civilization fueled my imagination,” Dali recalls.

In 2016, Dali made his first sculpture, a small wooden boat. Inspired further by Iraq’s push to include the marshes and ruins of Ur on the UNESCO World Heritage list, he began researching other ancient artifacts as well as sculptural techniques.

“In 2019, while browsing Facebook, I found an announcement for a workshop for sculpting and model-making skills at the Nasiriyah Cultural Museum,” he says. “So I went along.”

By 2020, Dali had managed to establish his own sculpture and model-making workshop. At first he worked on the roof of his apartment building because it was cheaper and there was plenty of space.

However after getting support from the United Nations’ International Organization for Migration, he was able to start a real studio.

Dali views his models as a way of showing Iraq’s rich history and culture. “These miniatures attract tourists and also showcase local artistry,” he explains. He also hopes that the handmade sculptures will last to entertain and educate next generations as well.

One of the creations that really stands out is the “Royal Game of Ur,” an ancient game dating back over 4,000 years. Dali reproduced this artifact using modern 3D printing techniques, so that it was actually affordable for ordinary people to buy. “Each model tells a story and connects us to our past,” Dali says.

There are also plenty of challenges when it comes to this kind of work. And an increasing influx of cheap Chinese products threatens the market for handmade Iraqi miniatures. And costs are also rising.

“The raw materials I use are of high quality but they are getting more expensive,” Dali says.

Despite these obstacles, Dali has managed to become something of an ambassador for ancient Sumerian culture as he’s been able to showcase his work at cultural events across Iraq.

“Every model carries a story of our ancestors,” he states with pride.

Community leaders recognize the importance of supporting artists like Dali, says Haitham Abdul Khadir, who manages the street known as “Culture Road” in Nasiriyah. “Profit isn’t everything,” he says. “We must develop and support our artists and heritage.” For that, both public and private support is necessary, Abdul Khadir argues.

Dali remains committed to his mission no matter what. “This workshop is my life’s project,” he states. “Though the artistic materials may seem rough, they hold an irresistible magic. I see in the Assyrian models an artistic language that I want to share with all Iraqis and with everyone interested in Iraqi history.”