Neo-Babylonian Agate Stamp Seal

$372.79

An extremely fine stamp seal carved from a deep red and white veined agate stone, dating from the Neo Babylonian Empire period. The dome shaped seal has been decorated with a beautifully rendered fighting scene, carved into the stones base. On the left, a priest wearing a typical Babylonian attire, comprised of a headdress and long robe and is depicted fighting a rampant lion, stabbing the mammal with his weapon. Intricate detailing can be seen in the priest’s face. The stone is pierced for suspension.

Date: Circa 626-539 BC
Provenance: From an important London based collection formed 1970-1990s.
Condition: Very fine condition, part of the top of the seal has chipped off in antiquity.

SOLD

SKU: GL-23 Category: Tags: , ,

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. Mesopotamia has been regarded as the cradle of ancient glyphic arts, with the earliest cylinder seals proven to have been firstly executed during the Bronze Age, circa 4th Millennium BC. Each following period in ancient Mesopotamian history contributed in developing styles and techniques of glyphic arts. Zoomorphic, mythical creatures and religious scenes are one of the most favoured decorative repertoires applied on cylinder seals of the period.

Weight 13.9 g
Dimensions L 2.5 x W 2.5 x H 2.3 cm
Culture

Region

Semi-Precious Stones

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