The Sumerian society was divided into different classes which determined their social status. The highest rank was possessed by the priest-king who was religious as well as political figure. Next to him were the priests of the temples who performed religious rituals and offered sacrifice to gods. Because of their closeness to gods they were highly respected by people. In the second category came high officials and scribes who kept written records of administration. In the third category were landlords, artisans, and shopkeepers. Slaves were at the lowest rank of the society; they were either prisoners of war or those who could not pay their debt and hence were taken as slaves.
People had to live in a community because it was very difficult for any person to live alone without any support. All members of the community worked together in close cooperation. They cultivated land, looked after cattle and engaged in hunting and fishing. Artisans had formed professional classes such as ironsmiths or shoemakers. They manufactured tools, weapons and other things to fulfil the needs of their community.
Every member of the community received his or her share of food. However, there was difference in the quantity of food which was allocated to various members. Artisans were given more than workers and labourers. Male members were more privileged than women, although women had to work hard in the community. They thrashed husk from wheat and then grinded it for baking bread. It was also their responsibility to weave cloth. In spite of this labour their status was lower in the society. They were not treated as equal to men. However, the advantage of community life was that the old, sick, and children who could not contribute much, were supported by the community.
The ornaments that have been found during excavations show the difference between the rich and ordinary people. The rich people used to wear expensive jewellery while poor people's jewellery was cheap. It clearly indicates that the society was hierarchical and social status was determined by wealth and property.
Art and society
In the Sumerian society art emerged under the influence of religion. However, gradually the artists started to paint the daily life of people. These paintings are a great source of knowing the social history of the Sumerian society. For example, one painting shows a couple embracing each other affectionately, while in another painting a group of musicians are entertaining the public. In some paintings artisans are shown working.
These painting also tell us about the dresses they used for instance, one painting shows a woman wearing a dress made of either goat or sheep skin. It also appears that women used to cover their body with shawl. Most of the men were clean shaven. The soldiers did not have any special dress or uniform — the only difference is that they carried weapons, and some of them can be seen wearing special caps.
