Cylinder Seal

1900.53.0054A

Thumbnail of Cylinder Seal (1900.53.0054A)

Detailed Images

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Cylinder Seal   (1900.53.0054A)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Personal Symbols
  4. :
  5. Personal Identification
Artist/Maker Unknown
Geographic Location
Period Mitanni
Date 1400– 1300 BC
Culture Mitanni

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Height) 1.85 cm
Dimension 2 (Width) 0.93 cm
Dimension 3 (Length) 0.90 cm
Weight 4.20 g
Measuring Remarks N/A
Materials Stone--Hematite
Manufacturing Processes Carved, Incising, Drilling

Research Remarks

Description

Rogers: A small haematite seal (thus no doubt earlier than the Kashshite period) showing the early dotted form of the cross. The God, Shamash is typified as climbing a mountain, on his hand he holds the symbol of stability. The second figure wears a peaked head-dress and a five tier Shumerian dress, ankle length. One hand reasts at the waist line while the other points to the "standard of stability." Just back of this figure is a slight indication of the presence of a half moon. The next figure is Adad, the Weather God, standing with a thunderbolt. The last figure seems to play an inactive part in the story. He stands with folded hands. On his head is a peaked head-dress and he is wearing a five tierred Shumerian costume. A gate separates him for Adad.

Porada: A deity facing a weather-god who holds in one hand a lightning fork and the tether of a bull, upon which he places his foot; A deity facing a god who holds a rod with balls while ascending a mountain. In the field: A ball-staff and a crescent(?). Terminal: A column of drillings topped by a pair of drillings.


Published Description Under Review
Bibliography

Porada, Edith. "Concordance of Seals in the Oriental Museum, UIUC." Unpublished ms., ca. 1950.
Rogers, Frances. Babylonian Seal Cylinders as a Historical Source, UIUC Master's Thesis, 1929.

Artifact History

Credit Line/Dedication N/A
Reproduction no

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