Western Asiatic Lion Censer Lid

A shell cylinder seal with scenes in two registers; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Cylinder seal of fossil shell, 45 x 17 mm. Two registers: above two seated figures drinking beer from a pot through straw, palm tree terminal. Below: contest scene of hero, two domestic quadrupeds and two lions. trans-Tigridian, c.2500-2300 B.C. Condition fair.' 23.4 grams, 45 mm



From an important family collection. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Accompanied by a typed and signed note by Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993.

'Trans-Tigridian' in this context means 'from across the River Tigris', i.e. from the region between the Tigris and the Zagros mountains, between the Iranian highlands and Mesopotamia.

A clay tablet of broadly rectangular form, a letter from Šamaš-naṣir (a provincial governor) to his lord, Iluni king of Ešnunna (Tell Asmar), the king passed orders to mobilise the men of Ida-Maraṣ, the name of the country of Ešnunna, to provide grain transport, but the men of the city Zibbatum did not respond to the call despite the governor's request to generals, the people of Zibbatum became apiru, that is, wandering groups; this is a social category well known from the second millennium (notably in the Canaanite texts of El-Amarna) which has sometimes been compared to the Hebrews of the Bible; the tablet reading: 'According to the mission of my Lord, I said to Arahum thus: 'Are not the people of Zibbatum the soldiers of your lord? Why did you make them Apirum?' This is what I said to him and Arahum blamed me, since that time Ibnatum does not cease to be insolent before me and does not cease to hide his troop from me. Yesterday, when I came to my lord, I wanted to inspect him but his troop was not present. I sent one of my servants to the city of Urula, one of my servants to the interior of the country and one of my servants to the city of Labi, his city, in order to (re)lead his troop and himself and until now they have not brought me any news. As soon as they have brought them back to me my lord will hear the punishment I intend to inflict on him. In such a large country as the one my lord has entrusted to me, I...' 183 grams, 10.2 cm wide



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples.

A ceramic chalice with ribbed bowl, waisted stem and splayed foot. 1.44 kg, 26 cm high



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.