between 1894 B.C. and 1595 B.C.
hematite ;
Morgan Seal 559
Description
1 cylinder seal : hematite ; 33 x 15 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
"The motif presenting an inscription to which two suppliant goddesses appear to address themselves in prayer occurs in the earlier part of the First Dynasty of Babylon. Impressions of such seals are found on tablets from Larsa antedating the time of Hammurabi. However, the motif continued in use throughout the Old Babylonian period. This is demonstrated by the seals here assembled, of which 558, 559, 561-563 are carefully carved and probably belong to the earlier part of the period..."--Porada, CANES, p. 62
Summary
Two suppliant goddesses, one at each side of inscription -- In field: two bowlegged dwarfs, one above other.
Catalog link
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department