Lion-griffin attacked by hero and god(?) who brandishes curved weapon

between 2112 and 2004 B.C.
black-and-brown serpentine
23 x 11.5 mm
Morgan Seal 269
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"The contest scenes of the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur are characterized by a scheme of three figures, usually one victim between two assailants. A distinctive feature is the appearance of the lion-griffin as the object of assault (268-270). Furthermore, these scenes frequently include small, probably symbolic designs that are in no apparent relation to the principal theme--for example, the crescent, offering table, and bird in 268. The classification of 268 is fixed beyond doubt by its inscription, which belongs to the time of the Third Dynasty of Ur; equally certain is the classification of 269, which has as its terminal a globe staff, a characteristic feature of seals of this time."--Porada, CANES, p. 34

Summary: 

Center: Lion-griffin, reversed, attacked by hero and god(?) who brandishes curved weapon -- Bird in field -- Terminal: globe staff.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Period: 
Classification: 
Department: