LOT 0243

Akkadian Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Worship Scene

CIRCA 2300-2200 B.C.

1 1/4 in. (22.9 grams total, seal: 32.6 mm).

Cylinder with standing figures, with restrung red stone bead to each end; accompanied by 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, 32 x 20 mm. The design shows a row of five standing figures, the first raising one hand over a stand, the other four holding their hands at the waist. All are dressed in long robes to the legs. This is an Akkadian seal, c. 2300-2200 B.C., from Mesopotamia or south-west Iran. It is in good condition, and is a rare type. The engraving is in a rather crude style, but vigorous. The scene is one of worship'; supplied with a museum-quality impression.

Acquired on the French auction market.

Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.13465-262418.

Cf. a seal with similar characteristics in Buchanan, B., Early Near Eastern Seals in the Yale Babylonian Collection, New Yale and London, 1981, no.434.

In the Akkadian seals parallel to the rendition of personalised might are scenes depicting quite realistic action of a divine or more divine characters. Later seals are often representing processions of attendants, worshippers (like here) or scenes of husbandry.