Mesopotamian White Stone Seal with Water Creatures

Oval in plan with a tapering drilled central socket. 360 grams, 81 mm



Ex private collection, Contessa L.G., since the 1980s. Private collection, acquired in 1999.

The mace was a close-combat weapon consisting of a short handle and a massive striking element—the head, a striking weapon capable of inflicting severe contusions and internal fractures. Although a very archaic and rather primitive weapon, the mace was nevertheless widely used in the ancient East. Its sacred and representative role was particularly significant. Due to its shape, it symbolised the owner's masculinity and was therefore one of the primary insignia of power, symbolising the inseparability of its civil, military, and sacred-magical essences—ensuring the functioning and reproduction of the collective and the conditions for its existence. This is why we so often encounter ‘ceremonial’ maces, especially those made of stone—in this case, undoubtedly a ritual material. However, it must be said that stone, as a material for a mace head, was in no way inferior to metal in terms of combat qualities, while being much more labour-intensive to manufacture, which was precisely what appealed to the ritual, symbolic role of this weapon.

An eagle-shaped stamp seal with a loop on the reverse, accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 27 x 26.5 x 10.5mm. This has the shape of the thing depicted, with a flat face, convex back rising to the middle where a handle of inverted U-shape with three grooves over it is mounted. The design, which is compartmented, shows an eagle in heraldic pose: head sideways at the top with beak raised, spread wings below, and spread tail-feathers at the bottom. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a most attractive piece and in very good condition -- the metal has been conserved -- save for slight damage to the beak of the bird.' 10.2 grams, 26 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s. Accompanied by a copy of a scholarly report, numbered R-774, typed and signed by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert.

Standing with head raised, dewlap to the chin and chest, angled hump behind the shoulders; mounted on a custom-made stand. 215 grams, 11.1 cm wide (351 grams total, 11.7 cm including stand)



Acquired before 1972. with a London, UK gallery. Private collection, UK.