LOT 2264

Western Asiatic Assyrian Chalcedony Cylinder Seal with Hero Scene

1ST MILLENNIUM BC

1 1/2" (16 grams, 35mm).

A chalcedony cylinder seal with intaglio design of a kilted hero with headgear and beard grasping the foreleg of each of two rampant sphinxes attacking him amid vegetation; supplied with an impression of the design, old Christie's label to the reverse.

Property of a North West London gentleman; previously with Christies, South Kensington, sale 9599, 13 May 2003, lot 303.

Cf. Collon, D. First Impressions. Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East, London, 2005, p.81 for similar.

The identification of this figure could be that of Lahmu, meaning 'hairy'. He was a protective and beneficent deity who was later associated with Marduk, chief deity of Babylon. Figurines of the god, who is represented with long hair and a beard, were used in the Neo-Assyrian Period as foundation deposits to ward off demons and sickness.

A number of mythological creatures are known from ancient Mesopotamia which are hybrids composed of various creatures. The human headed sphinx is quite rare compared to the usual representation of composite bull creatures. However, they seem to have a similar role to the other monsters in that they represent the forces of chaos that are subdued by the gods.

The chalcedony is deeply patinated, a process taking many centuries.