between 1894 B.C. and 1595 B.C.
hematite ;
Morgan Seal 350
Description
1 cylinder seal : hematite ; 24 x 17 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
Cylinder damaged.
"Two pairs of fighting figures flanking either a central design or the panel of an inscription constitute a motif derived from the Akkad period. This motif continued in use through the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur into the time of the First Dynasty of Babylon. However, in contrast to the Akkad renderings, which generally vary the figures, Old Babylonian cylinders show identical pairs, each pair consisting of a bull-man and a human-headed bull. Frequently a lion club stands between the pairs (347-349, 353)." Porada, CANES, p. 43
"Two pairs of fighting figures flanking either a central design or the panel of an inscription constitute a motif derived from the Akkad period. This motif continued in use through the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur into the time of the First Dynasty of Babylon. However, in contrast to the Akkad renderings, which generally vary the figures, Old Babylonian cylinders show identical pairs, each pair consisting of a bull-man and a human-headed bull. Frequently a lion club stands between the pairs (347-349, 353)." Porada, CANES, p. 43
Summary
Two contending pairs, each composed of bull-man fighting human-headed bull, lion club between pairs --In field: ball staff; vessel -- Terminal: inscription.
Catalog link
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department