between 2000 B.C. and 1750 B.C.
hematite ;
Morgan Seal 903
Description
1 cylinder seal : hematite ; 17 x 9 mm
Provenance
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes
"The cylinders of this group [900-908] contain a number of features distinctive of Cappadocian and of Syrian glyptic, besides some Mesopotamian elements, though the latter are less prominent here than in the Old Assyrian and in the provincial Babylonian group. ... The manikin on one knee, obviously in the act of worship (902-905), is paralleled in Cappadocian seals (886, 887, 890) and impressions; it appears only later on Syrian (942, 943) and Mitannian (1015) seals. Lastly, the standard composed of a male and female head (903), usually topped by a bird, is common to Cappadocian and early Syrian designs (918, 919) ... The principal Mesopotamian feature is the use of the traditional theme of worship of an enthroned deity, in flounced robe and horned miter, holding a cup (901-903, 905)."--Porada, CANES, p. 114
Summary
Worshiper carrying kid(?) and following manikin on one knee before enthroned deity -- Before worshiper, squatting monkey -- Before deity, sun disk in crescent above two human heads -- Terminal: standard composed of female and male head, with bird at top; beside standard, pole.
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