Goddess and worshipper before enthroned god and bull, and nude bearded hero with gatepost

between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
drab serpentine
39 x 25 mm
Morgan Seal 215
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

Cylinder damaged.
"A god of vegetation and animals is represented in 215. The motif of the seal can probably be reconstructed according to the design of BN 79, which shows a ram placing its forelegs on the knees of the enthroned god, presumably to nibble from the plant he holds in his hand. The occurrence in 215 of a nude bearded hero holding a gatepost is unusual, since this hero is as a rule associated in mythological representations only with the water god." Porada, CANES, p. 27

Summary: 

Goddess and worshiper before enthroned god, bull placing its forelegs in lap of latter -- Behind throne, nude bearded hero with gatepost -- Small pine tree in field.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Period: 
Classification: 
Department: