Lot 70: ANCIENT NEAR EASTERN HEMATITE CYLINDER SEAL WITH A PRESENTATION SCENE

A cylinder seal of Mesopotamian origin, carved from a dense stone with a dark metallic lustre, identified as hematite. The seal is of traditional cylindrical form with a longitudinal centre bore intended for suspension. The exterior surface is decorated with intaglio-carved figurative scenes characteristic of ancient glyptic art. One side depicts a standing figure, possibly a deity or royal personage, wearing a long vertically-striated or pleated robe and a ceremonial headpiece. Another portion of the carving shows a hand holding a long staff or mace-like object. One side of the cylinder contains several short, incised marks characteristic of cuneiform inscriptions; however, these characters are too worn to be legible.

L: 2.8cm