Dragon attacked by griffin-demon

between 900 B.C. and 600 B.C.
black serpentine
46 x 16.5 mm
Morgan Seal 610
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"The scene of 610 differs from [Seals 611-619]... in showing a griffin-demon as the archer, and, instead of a plant, a small bird between the two principal figures. The divergence from the usual scheme may be due to the fact that the seal was made earlier than the others of the group. This is suggested by its large size. Moreover, the incised chevron borders framing the scene have a parallel in the ornamentation of robes in the reliefs of Ashurnasirpal II. It seems likely therefore that 610 dates from the earlier part of the ninth century B.C."--Porada, CANES, p. 73

Summary: 

Dragon attacked by griffin-demon on one knee, wielding bow and arrow -- Between figures, bird -- In sky: star, crescent, six scattered globes; three wedges (one under dragon, two before demon) -- Chevron borders.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Classification: 
Department: