Ancient Near East Seal Collection

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Cylinder seal

  • Cylinder seal
  • Cylinder seal
  • Cylinder seal
  • Cylinder seal
  • Cylinder seal
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Historical period(s)
Jemdet Nasr period, 3100-2900 BCE
Medium
Chlorite or serpentinite
Dimension(s)
H x Diam: 2 × 2.3 cm (13/16 × 7/8 in)
Origin
Iraq
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Gorelick
Accession Number
F1999.6.11
Keyword(s)
chlorite, cylinder seal, Iraq, Jemdet Nasr period (3100 - 2900 BCE), serpentinite
Label

This squat cylinder seal presents four sets of two drilled holes connected to each other and placed vertically. This type of decoration has often been identified as a spider-like motif, while the combination of these perforations may indicate pots or tools.

References:

Collon, Dominique. 2005. First Impressions: Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East. London: British Museum Press.

Published References
  • Antonietta Catanzariti. The Ancient Near East Seal Collection. Washington. .
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