Lion-griffin attacking bull

Download image: 
between 1300 B.C. and 1200 B.C.
hematite
43 x 16 mm
Morgan Seal 598
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"A somewhat exceptional feature is found in 598, in which a worshiper kneels below a winged sun disk on a stand. Such sun disks on stands occur frequently in Mitannian glyptic (see 1047...), and it may be assumed that the motif is derived from some such Mitannian example. The fact that the kneeling posture was prescribed in connection with some Kassite prayers may account for the position of the worshiper. However, it is noteworthy that here he seems to be floating in the air in an attitude recalling some renderings of the figure holding a rope that hangs from a winged gate on such seals of the Akkad period as 225." Porada, CANES, p. 69

Summary: 

Lion-griffin attacking bull fallen on its forelegs -- Star and sun(?) in sky -- Behind bull, winged sun disk on stand or altar, kneeling worshiper below.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Classification: 
Department: