between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
black serpentine ;
Morgan Seal 203
Description
1 cylinder seal : black serpentine ; 21 x 11 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
Cylinder damaged.
"Another deity often shown on Akkad seals is the water god, Ea, who bears a vase from which two streams flow over his shoulders; usually there are fishes swimming along these streams ... Perhaps the scenes of 203 and 204 are also intended to show the god in his shrine, though this is indicated only by gateposts. In 202, 203, 205, the god is shown approached by worshipers." Porada, CANES, p. 25
"Another deity often shown on Akkad seals is the water god, Ea, who bears a vase from which two streams flow over his shoulders; usually there are fishes swimming along these streams ... Perhaps the scenes of 203 and 204 are also intended to show the god in his shrine, though this is indicated only by gateposts. In 202, 203, 205, the god is shown approached by worshipers." Porada, CANES, p. 25
Summary
Center: Water god holding flowing vase, enthroned with star before him in sky -- At either side, nude bearded hero holding gatepost -- Worshiper carrying kid, approaching from right.
Catalog link
Classification
Place
Southern Mesopotamia.
Department