between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
black serpentine
32.5 x 20.5 (20) mm
Morgan Seal 181
Provenance:
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes:
"Among the mythological figures on Akkad seals, the most frequent is the sun god, Shamash. One of the distinctive settings in which this god appears is found in 178-186. The god, identified by his saw and usually by rays emanating from his shoulders, is shown in ascending posture either between two mountains, placing his foot on one and resting his hand on the other, or beside a single mountain on which he steps while resting his hand on a mace. Before him attendants throw open the gates of heaven. The fullest elaboration of this motif is found in 178, 179, 181-183." Porada, CANES, p. 24
Summary:
Sun god ascending between two mountains -- At either side, attendant opening wing of gate -- Terminal: Horizontals with star above and scorpion below.
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