Vegetation god with stalks of grain, god with plow, and god enthroned on heap of grain

Download image: 
between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
black serpentine
35 x 25 (22.5) mm
Morgan Seal 207
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"Male and female deities associated with the cultivation of grain are represented in 207-214. The fullest characterization of them is found in 207 and 212. In these latter seals the principal deities are seated on heaps of grain; stalks of grain sprout from their shoulders and rest in their hands. In 207 a plow is carried before the deity ... The gesture of the minor god standing with hands outstretched before the enthroned deity of grain in 207 and 210 is typical of scenes featuring this divinity." Porada, CANES, p. 26

Summary: 

God with stalks of grain growing from his skirt and three other stalks in his hand, following god with plow and third god toward deity enthroned on heap of grain, who holds three stalks, while other stalks sprout from his shoulders.

Period: 
Classification: 
Department: