Ancient Near East Seal Collection

Usage conditions apply

Stamp seal

  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
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Historical period(s)
Jemdet Nasr period, 3100-2900 BCE
Medium
Possibly serpentinite
Dimension(s)
H x W x D: 1.9 × 2.5 × 1 cm (3/4 × 1 × 3/8 in)
Origin
Iraq
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Gorelick
Accession Number
F1999.6.2
Keyword(s)
bird, ibex, Iraq, Jemdet Nasr period (3100 - 2900 BCE), serpentinite, stamp seal
Label

The drilling technique was used to carve animal figures on this smooth, ovoid stamp seal. The larger animal resembles a quadruped with two horns, possibly a stag or ibex; surrounding the ibex are four birds. Similar examples were found at Susa, Iran.

References:

Rashad, Mahmoud. 1990. Die Entwicklung Der Vor und Frühgeschichtlichen Stempelsiegel in Iran: Im Vergleich mit Mesopotamien, Syrien und Kleinasien, von Ihren Anfängen Bis Zum Beginn Des 3. Jahrtausends V. Chr. Berlin: D. Reimer.

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