Entthroned water god holding flowing vase, minor gods and bird-man tied with rope

between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
steatite
25.5 x 15.5 mm
Morgan Seal 196
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"Another deity often shown on Akkad seals is the water god, Ea, who bears a vase from which two streams flow over his shoulders; usually there are fishes swimming along these streams. Seals 195-197 embody a frequent theme involving this god--that of a bird-man led captive toward the god." Porada, CANES, p. 25

Summary: 

Enthroned water god holding flowing vase and facing minor god who precedes bird-man tied with rope held by second minor god.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Period: 
Classification: 
Department: