What is it? This ancient Mesopotamian sculpture known as the ‘ram in the thicket’ is actually a ‘goat in a tree’. The goat is rendered in impressive detail, as it reaches up to eat leaves on high branches – a common sight along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The sculpture was made of wood with hammered sheet gold used to embellish its surface. The goat was then covered in intricately carved shell and lapis lazuli to form its fleece, and the expressive face was highlighted with lapis eyes, beard, and horns. The result is a spectacular display