Object Description
A large Mesopotamian mottled black hard stone stamp seal featuring the celestial being Lamassu. The seal itself takes the form of a pyramid with the flat obverse displaying the winged creature with the bearded head of a man and the body of a bull or a lion. He is depicted in side profile with legs striding foreword. Carefully incised etchings define the upwardly pointed wings as well as hatched lines upon the rear end of the animal, from which a tail curves around and upwards. Further detailing defines a hat upon the male head which is referred to as the ‘horned cap’ attesting to his divinity. Further geometric etchings of diamond and circular shapes adorn the edge of the stamp seal. The reverse is pierced vertically for suspension.
Date: Circa 2nd Millennium BC