between 1650 B.C. and 1350 B.C.
hematite
11.5 mm diameter
Morgan Seal 957
Provenance:
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes:
"In 957 the standard flanked by two figures is an abbreviated rendering of the lion club, one of the most frequent symbols of the Old Babylonian repertory. In this seal the blades of the lion club have become a single omega-shaped curve, and the mace is replaced by a vase. Such a metamorphosis of the emblem can also be observed in seal impressions from Nuzi (Nuzi 603)."--Porada, CANES, p. 127
Summary:
Above: two facing male figures; two gods(?) with lion-club standard between them; two goddesses, second carrying vase and shouldering plant -- Below: two facing sphinxes; tail and head of lion -- Guilloche between registers.
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