God with plow, enthroned, receiving goddess leading worshiper

between ca. 2149 and 2113
black serpentine
26 x 13 (12) mm
Morgan Seal 253
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"Seal 253 must have been made when the influence of the Akkad period was still predominant, because its enthroned god faces right. In Akkad designs there seems to be no convention in this respect; on seals of the following period, however, it is exceptional for an enthroned god to face right. The Sumerian inscription, however, shows that the seal was made after the fall of the Akkad dynasty, when Sumerian became once more the official language of the country. A Post-Akkad dating is furthermore indicated in view of the fact that the worshiper is beardless, as in later representations, whereas on seals of the Akkad period, worshipers are bearded." Porada, CANES, p. 31

Summary: 

God with plow, enthroned, receiving goddess leading worshiper -- Terminal: inscription.

Classification: 
Department: