Urartu Alabaster Stamp Seal

8TH-7TH CENTURY B.C.

5/8 in. (3.36 grams, 16 mm).

Bifacial round seal with mythical creatures, likely winged ibexes; pierced hole for suspension.

Provenance

Ex London, UK, collection, before 1988.

Literature

Cf. for the iconography Sass, B., Uehlinger, C., Studies in the iconography of northwest semitic inscribed seals: Proceedings of a symposium held in Fribourg on April 17-20, 1991, Zurich, 1993, p.59, fig.16.

Footnotes

Animal-headed creatures are often winged bird-headed figures with human body in the Urartu and Northern-Syrian seals of ‘dnplţ ‘bd ‘mndb type, but often winged, apparently ibex-headed figures appear on the seals of the type bqšt bt ‘bdyrh. The ibex-headed figures might belong to same group of semi-divine beings visible on the Assyrian art.

CONDITION

VETTING:

TimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process

AUCTIONS:

TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.

LOT 1131