Details

LOT 0193

Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Combat Scene

CIRCA 2300-2200 B.C.

1 in. (12 grams, 27 mm).

Showing a combat of gods; accompanied by a museum quality impression and a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder Seal of Black Stone 27 x 16 mm. The design shows a combat of gods: all three wear horns on their heads as a mark of divinity. To each side of the scene is a god in long robe from waist to feet, open at the front with one leg projecting. They stand grappling with a god on one knee between them. He wears a robe of similar length, but not open at the front. Diagonal lines rise from the robes of the two attacking gods, probably marking them as fire gods. A stylised tree serves as a terminal. This is an Akkadian seal, c. 2500-2200 B.C. It is one of the rarer designs to see gods, and such fighting gods are not seen in other periods. But we have no written form of the myth to explain exactly what is happening. the seal is in very good condition and has an interesting design.'

Provenance

From the private collection of a North American lady, formed 1970s-early 1990s, with collection reference no.589/3.

Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert and an old photograph.