between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
rock crystal ;
Morgan Seal 201
Description
1 cylinder seal : rock crystal ; 24.5 x 16 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
"Another deity often shown on Akkad seals is the water god, Ea, who bears a vase from which two streams flow over his shoulders; usually there are fishes swimming along these streams. Seals 195-197 embody a frequent theme involving this god--that of a bird-man led captive toward the god ... Seals 199-201 have been interpreted by Frankfort as depicting the victory over Zu, the bird-man, with the water god receiving the joyous news." Porada, CANES, p. 25
Summary
Water god, holding flowing vase with fishes along its streams, standing with foot on mountain and facing minor god -- God fallen on one knee under attack of one large and one small lion-headed eagle, larger held by god brandishing mace -- Terminal: Empty panel over small man.
Catalog link
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department