Sumerian Black Stone Cylinder Seal with Female Figures

Wedge-shaped in section with figure carved in the half-round to one face, warrior with armoured covering to the shoulders and chest, knee-length tunic. 2.65 kg, 23.3 cm



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

Modelled in the round standing with head raised, recurved horns or antlers, slender muzzle with mouth detailing, incised ring-and-dot motif to shoulders and hips; mounted on a custom-made stand. 69.2 grams total, 80 mm high including stand



London art market, 1978. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12263-220844.

Stylistically, the item shares features with the Hattian stag figurine found in the royal tombs in Alacahöyük (now in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara, Turkey) and dating from the period 2100-2000 B.C. The use of ring-and-dot embellishments to the flanks is suggestive of some cultural continuity. The animal depicted is probably an ibex rather than a European stag. However, a date of manufacture in the period after the fall of the Hittite Empire in the 12th century B.C. seems more probable.

Broad dish with stepped rim and stepped socket to underside, separate stepped base. 233 grams, 12.5 cm wide



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.