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Worshiper and interceding deity before enthroned king holding cup

between 2112 and 2004 B.C.
hematite ;
Morgan Seal 294
Description
1 cylinder seal : hematite ; 18.5 x 11 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
Cylinder damaged.
"A new feature of the seals of the Third Dynasty of Ur, as contrasted with those of the Akkad period, is the figure of a king who, in the manner of a god, receives a worshiper introduced by a minor deity (291-294). This representation originated because the kings of this dynasty were deified during life. Details that differentiate the representations of the deities of the pantheon from renderings of a deified king are the latter's attire--a fringed cloak and a round cap with upturned brim--and his throne, which is a stool, apparently upholstered, and covered with a flounced material or perhaps fur. Gods, in contrast, wear horned miters and flounced robes and sit on thrones shaped like shrines. Furthermore, the king always holds a cup, whereas the god as a rule merely raises his hand in a welcoming gesture ... Despite the fact that this seal has an inscription corresponding with those of the Third Dynasty of Ur, it is possible that it should be assigned to the Isin-Larsa period, not only because the worshiper wears the cap described on p. 35, but also because his mantle, instead of being fringed, has a flat border like that of the mantle of the worshiper on the seal of King Bur-Sin of Isin (Berlin 255)."--Porada, CANES, p. 35; 37
Summary
Worshiper and interceding deity (obliterated ) before enthroned king holding cup -- Crescent in sky -- Terminal: inscription.
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department