Two figures and seated female figure with winged gate resting on back of kneeling bull

between 2340 B.C. and 2150 B.C.
dolomite
32 x 18 mm
Morgan Seal 233
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

Cylinder partly perforated.
[Seals] 224-233, which are executed with varying degrees of care, all show the bull kneeling. Usually a seated goddess holds one end of a cord that seems to pass through the gate, while a male attendant, who is standing or kneeling or possibly floating in the air, holds the other end. Exceptions are ... 232 and 233, which show two attendants standing on either side of the gate, touching its wings." Porada, CANES, p. 28

Summary: 

"Figure with flexed knees grasping wing of gate that rests on back of bull rising(?) on its forelegs -- Second figure grasping bull's horn and other wing of gate -- Seated female raising hand under crescent -- Terminal: Star spade." Porada, CANES, p. 29

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Period: 
Classification: 
Department: