Object Description
A fine Mesopotamian stone cylinder seal with a contest scene between a hero and zoomorphic figures. The seal depicts of an anthropomorphic figure, a divine hero, facing right, standing with their legs apart. Rampant animals flank him on both sides, beginning with two mouflons. The mouflons stand on the hooves of their hind legs, with their forelegs raised held against the hero and a short tail extending downwards at the back. Their triangular heads, with their large rounded eyes, open mouths, and large, curving horns, are turned to look behind them at the pouncing beasts, likely lionesses. The lionesses, too, are rampant, standing on their back legs. They attack the horned animals with their raised forelegs, their claws spread apart, and their mouths wide open. Long curving tails extend upwards from their bodies. All the figures have been shown in profile and rendered stylistically in a symmetrical composition. The stone presents with a beautiful translucency and a cream-white colouring with natural striations of white. The cylinder seal has been perforated longitudinally for suspension.
The seal is supplied with a museum-quality impression.
Date: Circa 2nd-1st Millennium BC