Lamassu was a celestial being in Mesopotamian culture, acting as a protective deity. Large sculptural reliefs were often placed in pairs outside prominent sites, being built into parts of the citadel gates. These were often carved in situ and could way over 40 tons in some cases. Depictions of Lamassu first appeared in Assyria during the reign of Tiglath-Pileser II as a symbol of power, its placement at city gates allowed for them to be viewed both front on and to the side as “double-aspect” figures. They were seen to have five legs so that they appeared to stand firm from the front, but be striding foreword from the side. Lamassu’s human head represented intelligence, the bull’s body symbolised strength, and the eagles wings portrayed freedom. Smaller depictions were often engraved in clay and then buried under the doorways of houses to provide protection against the threats of evil and chaos.
Stamp seals are often made of stone; however, there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and occasionally sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership – as such, they were instrumental in legal transactions, and in the protection of goods against theft. Seal amulets with stylised animals or fantasised zoomorphic figural have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals are predominant types in the ancient Near East.
Large Mesopotamian Black Hard Stone Stamp Seal Depicting Lamassu
£ 400.00
A large Mesopotamian mottled black hard stone stamp seal featuring the celestial being Lamassu. The seal itself takes the form of a pyramid with the flat obverse displaying the winged creature with the bearded head of a man and the body of a bull or a lion. He is depicted in side profile with legs striding foreword. Carefully incised etchings define the upwardly pointed wings as well as hatched lines upon the rear end of the animal, from which a tail curves around and upwards. Further detailing defines a hat upon the male head which is referred to as the ‘horned cap’ attesting to his divinity. Further geometric etchings of diamond and circular shapes adorn the edge of the stamp seal. The reverse is pierced vertically for suspension.
Provenance: Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
Condition: Good. some minor chips to the edges.
In stock
| Weight | 69.5 g |
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| Dimensions | L 5.9 x W 1.5 x H 4.8 cm |
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