between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
drab serpentine ;
Morgan Seal 215
Description
1 cylinder seal : drab serpentine ; 39 x 25 mm
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
"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.
Catalog link
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department