between 1650 B.C. and 1350 B.C.
hematite ;
Morgan Seal 963
Description
1 cylinder seal : hematite ; 20 x 9 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
"The other seals of this group, 961-963, present a winged deity who is less clearly defined. ... In 962 the winged deity is portrayed in ascendng posture and holding what may be a lotus blossom; this blossom may indicate that here too the deity is female, since 963 pictures a similar winged nude goddess with a comparable emblem. ... Seal 963, however, gives evidence of the cursory execution that might be expected when a long-practiced craft is disintegrating. This seal may therefore be dated later than 958 and 959, that is, after 1400 B.C."--Porada, CANES, p. 128
Summary
Figure in ascending posture holding curved weapon and facing winged nude goddess who holds lotus blossom -- Worshiper -- In field: vase; hand; two birds, three wedgelike designs -- Terminal: panel inclosing scroll pattern with leaflike ornaments.
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