Lion-griffin in grasp of bearded hero with ax
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between 1300 B.C. and 1200 B.C.
pink chert
15 mm diameter
Morgan Seal 596
Provenance:
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes:
"Palm trees marked with volutes are found in 596 and 597. This use of volutes recalls Mitannian designs, though in the latter the tree as a whole always conveys an impression of artificiality, whereas on the Middle Assyrian seals it has the appearance of a natural tree merely ornamented with metal bands." Porada, CANES, p. 69
Lower part of cylinder broken off.
Summary:
Lion-griffin in grasp of bearded hero brandishing ax -- Terminal: tree with volute below branches; monkey perched at top, eating fruit; ibex at left, bird of prey at right.
Place:
Southern Mesopotamia.
Period:
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Classification:
Department: