Babylonian Black Hardstone Cylinder seal

A finely engraved Babylonian black hardstone cylinder seal, carved on the sides with a worship scene. A male figure is depicted sitting on a throne, probably a deified king. One of his hands rest on the arm of the throne, the other is outstretched as if in the act of giving or receiving. The seated deity wears a tunic slung over one shoulder and a flounced robe of descending layers which is representative of Babylonian style. A crescent moon hangs over the seated god/king. In front of him are two figures, possibly a worshipper and a supplicant goddess. The black stone is most probably haematite. The seal is perforated longitudinally for suspension. Light earthly encrustations to the surface.

Impression is for reference only.

Seals were often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and even 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 have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals were the predominant types in the ancient Near East.

Measurements: W 0. 7cm x H 1. 9cm

Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.