Cylinder Seal

1900.53.0070A

Thumbnail of Cylinder Seal (1900.53.0070A)

Detailed Images

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Cylinder Seal   (1900.53.0070A)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Personal Symbols
  4. :
  5. Personal Identification
Artist/Maker None
Geographic Location
Period/Date Old Babylonian, 20th – 17th century BCE
Culture Old Babylonian

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Height) 2.45 cm
Dimension 2 (Diameter) 1.40 cm
Dimension 3 (N/A) N/A
Weight 15.26 g
Measuring Remarks None
Materials Stone--Hematite
Manufacturing Processes Carved, Incising, Drilling
Munsell Color Information Dark Gray (N2.75) -ns

Research Remarks

Published Description

Rogers: A once inch haematite seal with four figures. Here is portrayed the story of an elaborate religious ceremony. The first figure stands facing the group and is Shumeraian in character. The god is pictured with wing-like projections from the shoulders, which might be flames of fire. His long pleated skirt leaves one limb bare and the foot resting on a very small animal. One arm hangs by his side, but in his hand he holds a serpent. In his other hand he holds a Babylonian Caduceus. A minor diety is bringing an offering of a goat, and the Shumerian suppliant approaches with both hands raised to his head. Porada: A suppliant goddess and a worshipper carrying a kid, before a war-goddess(?), behind whom stands a priest holding a knife(?).

Description N/A
Comparanda N/A
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 Unpublished ms., ca. 1950.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

Archaeological Data N/A
Credit Line/Dedication N/A
Reproduction no
Reproduction Information N/A

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