Western Asiatic Bronze Scaraboid Seal with Aramaic Inscription

Modelled in the round depicting the (severed?) head of the Mesopotamian demon Humbaba, with iconic facial features in relief; hollow with vent to the neck; produced from a two-piece mould, with median seam through the facial features. 191 grams, 87 mm



Private collection, Israel. with Holy Land House of Antiquities, Jerusalem, 1980s. Acquired by the current owner from the above, 2001. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12878-241678. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Within traditional Mesopotamian religion, Humbaba was a creature regarded as Guardian of the Cedar forest and the brother of Pazuzu. He was represented as a giant who had been raised by the sun god, Shamash.

With segmented face and pierced lug handle; 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. 39x41x8 mm. This has the shape of a seven-pointed star marked on the convex back as if seven petals around the central loop handle. The face is flat and has a design engraved into it. The interpretation of the design is not completely sure, but it seems to involve an eagle, perhaps carrying off prey. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is a rare type and the design is fascinating. The metal has been conserved and the piece is in very good condition.' 18.5 grams, 41 mm



From the collection of the late Mr S, 1970-1990s. Accompanied by an original typed and signed scholarly note by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham, 1970-1993. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

With frieze in two registers: above - opposed ibexes with frond between their chests, rosette above their rumps; below - geese in a landscape with vegetation; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 8.81 grams, 39 mm



From the collection of the late S, London, UK, 1970-2000. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the 1990s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.