Mesopotamian Hardstone Cylinder seal

A Mesopotamian cylindrical seal made of a beautiful, dark green and brown, speckled, hardstone. The seal depicts two figures with column-like skirts, rounded torsos and heads, and simply etched arms and feet. Between the figures are two similar lines of symbols, with three round divets interspersed with star-like linear motifs. The seal is perforated vertically, allowing for it to be strung. The piece is in good condition, with the clarity of the engarved details slightly worn with age, and some brownish residue present in some crevices.

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: L 2. 5 cm x W 1. 0 cm

Provenance: Ex SM collection, London, acquired 1970s-2010.