between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
black serpentine
17 x 11 (10) mm
Morgan Seal 185
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... In 184 and 185, only one attendant and one gate are depicted." Porada, CANES, p. 24
Summary:
Sun god with rays ascending mountain and resting one hand on mace -- Gate opened by attendant.
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