Neo-Babylonian Carnelian Cone Seal

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Babylon, Neo-Babylonian Period, ca. 626 to 539 BCE. A hand-carved stamp seal bearing smooth, lustrous surfaces as well as a convex stamp face. Carved from translucent carnelian of grapefruit, citrine, and champagne hues, the stamp exhibits an aniconic form with a biconically drilled suspension hole situated through the tapered top. Incised on the stamp face are two intriguing symbols: a crescent moon with foliate leaves radiating from the bottom, and a slender column - perhaps an altar - with a series of stacked circles projecting from above. Size: 0.6" W x 0.8" H (1.5 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s

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#165257
Condition Report: A couple of stable pressure fissures to stone matrix, minor abrasions, and light softening to incised decorations on stamp face, otherwise intact and very good. Nice surface smoothness throughout.