Object Description
A finely engraved Old Babylonian haematite cylinder seal featuring a presentation scene. The seal has been pierced vertically for suspension. To the centre, under a crescent sun disc, is a bearded warrior king. He wears a rounded cap and is carrying a mace. The king is depicted standing, in a commanding gesture facing a goddess, likely Ninshubur. She is displayed wearing a full-length garment and a typical conical headdress with tiered decoration, which signifies divinity. The goddess has her hand raised in supplication. Behind Ninshubur is a nude fertility goddess with clasped hands and a bow-legged dwarf underneath. Behind the king are three columns of cuneiform inscriptions, neatly arranged. They read:
I₃-Ii₂-sukkal
Dumu-i-na
ᵈNin-subur
Ir-ᵈNin-subur
Translated as:
Ili-sukkal, ….goddess Ninshubur, the servant of the goddess Ninsshubur
From the text we can clearly identify the goddess as Ninshubur. The term ‘ili’ referring to the deity, along with her role as ‘sukkal’.
Date: Circa 2000-1800 BCVery fine condition.