Object Description
An Assyro-Babylonian chalcedony stamp seal featuring a characteristic octagonal pyramid shape marked by natural streaks of brown. The flat base is carved with a finely rendered cultic scene, depicting a standing, bearded human figure, possibly a priest or worshipper, to the right. He is dressed in long robes and a headpiece and is facing left with his arms raised towards a goat-fish. This zoomorphic creature was the symbol of Ea, a Mesopotamian god. Above the creature is a curved sceptre with a ram’s head, another symbol of the deity. There is a crescent moon motif at the top of the scene and a lozenge with a central dot behind the priest. The piece is perforated, partial blocked, longitudinally for suspension.
Date: 7th – 6th century BC