Two contending pairs, each composed of bull-man fighting human-headed bull

between 1894 B.C. and 1595 B.C.
hematite
18.5 x 10 mm
Morgan Seal 352
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"Two pairs of fighting figures flanking either a central design or the panel of an inscription constitute a motif derived from the Akkad period. This motif continued in use through the period of the Third Dynasty of Ur into the time of the First Dynasty of Babylon. However, in contrast to the Akkad renderings, which generally vary the figures, Old Babylonian cylinders show identical pairs, each pair consisting of a bull-man and a human-headed bull. Frequently a lion club stands between the pairs (347-349, 353)... Concentric drillings in the field occur likewise in an impression on a tablet of the time of Samsu-iluna, Hammurabi's successor, which shows similar pairs of fighters (Louvre A. 540 C). Thus a corresponding date is suggested for this seal." Porada, CANES, p. 43-44

Summary: 

Two contending pairs, each composed of bull-man fighting human-headed bull, mongoose between pairs -- In field: five concentric drillings.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Classification: 
Department: