Worshiper, nude bearded hero holding gatepost, two-faced god, and enthroned water god

Download image: 
between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
black serpentine with calcite vein
30 x 19 mm
Morgan Seal 202
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

Cylinder damaged.
"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 ... Seal 202 shows the water god seated in his ocean chamber ... In 202, 203, 205, the god is shown approached by worshipers." Porada, CANES, p. 25

Summary: 

Worshiper -- Nude bearded hero holding gatepost -- Two-faced god reaching into frame within which water god sits enthroned, holding vase with fishes along its streams -- Second nude bearded hero holding gatepost -- In field, inscription.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Period: 
Classification: 
Department: