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LOT 1192
Very Large Western Asiatic Stone Stamp Seal
CIRCA 3000 B.C.
2 in. (100 grams, 51 mm).
Of square shape, striated lines and locating holes on the surface; the reverse with a domed, pierced plaque.
ProvenanceCollected from 1969-1999.
From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.
Cf. Ameri, M., Kielt Costello, S., Jamison, G., Scott, S.J., Seals and sealings in Ancient World, Case studies from Near East, Egypt. the Aegean, and South Asia, Cambridge, 2018, fig.2.5, from Konar Sandal, for similar.
FootnotesSuch seals can be associated with distinct communities during the Bronze Age, particularly those engaged in trade with the Indus Valley. In particular, they are associated with the presence of Mesopotamians on the Iranian plateau and the emergent elite of the Early Dynastic city-states.
CONDITIONTimeLine 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:
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Chalcedony Stone Pillow with Kufic Inscription
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Aramaic Terracotta Bowl with Magical Incantation
4th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
With conical body, the inner face bearing the remains of concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text, repaired. 330 grams, 16 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.
Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as magic bowls, each contain an Aramaic inscription, written in ink, which spirals from the centre. The bowls seem to have played an important part in domestic life. For example, during excavation in Nippur in 1889, one or more incantation bowls were found in each house together with domestic artefacts, most often in doorways or under floorboards in the corner of rooms. The bowls are predominantly apotropaic, and the inscriptions tend to protect their owners from misfortunes such as those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits.
