Lot 71: AN ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN STYLE CUNEIFORM INSCRIBED DIORITE CYLINDER SEAL OR VOTIVE BEAD

This barrel shaped cylinder seal or votive bead is carved from a dark, mottled stone, likely diorite or a similar hardstone. The object is longitudinally pierced through the centre, indicating it was intended for suspension as an amulet or for use as a rolling seal. The exterior surface is divided into four vertical columns by deeply incised lines. Each column is densely inscribed with rows of cuneiform script, featuring the characteristic wedge shaped characters associated with Sumerian, Akkadian, or Babylonian administrative and votive traditions. The stone has been polished to a low sheen, with the natural inclusions of the material creating a variegated grey and black appearance. The inscriptions appear to be well preserved within the registers. No maker marks or signatures are visible.

L: 3.3cm