Mesopotamian Haematite Cylinder Seal with a Banquet Scene
£ 750.00
A finely incised Mesopotamian haematite cylindrical seal. Carved into the surface is a banquet scene in a single register. A seated female figure is depicted, possibly a deity, with a large plant in front of her along with a stylised animal at her feet. Four male figures, possibly worshippers and entertainers, are shown before her: a pair of tête-bêche figures, a single figure and a larger dancing figure holding a lyre-like instrument. The seal is pierced longitudinally for suspension.
This seal comes with a professionally baked, modern impression.
Date: Circa 2nd - 1st Millenium BC
Provenance: Ex late SM collection, London, UK, 1969-1999.
Condition: Excellent condition with occasional wax residue from previous impressions and some earthly encrustation.
In stock
The cylinder seal is an ancient form of a signature, rolled on a variety of objects made of clay to leave an impression. First developed in Mesopotamia, cylinder seals served as a marker of ownership and identity. Seals were also believed to have protective properties and were often perforated through the middle to be worn as jewellery or pinned on garments; these shielding qualities were rooted in the material of the seal itself or the imagery. Such images also provide invaluable snapshots of life and culture in these ancient Eastern societies; the durability of the seals’ material, such as stone, metal, and fired clay, also increases the survival of these historical pieces.
To find out more about Mesopotamian cylinder seals, please see our relevant blog post: Mesopotamian Cylinder Seals—Exploring Glyptic Images
