between 3400 B.C. and 3000 B.C.
black serpentine ;
Morgan Seal 8
Description
1 cylinder seal : black serpentine ; 18 x 17 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
"The presence of ... a goat ... in 8 suggests that the function of the pigtailed figures is the preparation of dairy products, perhaps for ritual purposes ... However, a different suggestion as to the meaning of these scenes has been made by Delaporte and endorsed by Herzfeld, namely, that the individuals portrayed are engaged in making pots." Porada, CANES, p. 3
Summary
"Two pigtailed figures with pot between them ; above them, third figure touching indeterminate object -- Attendant(?) behind figure on stool with animal legs ; plant(?) toward which goat is bending its head; above latter, small figure and simplified animal." Porada, CANES, p. 5
Catalog link
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department