Man prodding plowing ox

Download image: 
between 900 B.C. and 700 B.C.
black serpentine
37 x 16.5 mm
Morgan Seal 653
Provenance: 
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes: 

"In 653 the usual worshiper is omitted. The scene portraying a man plowing may nevertheless have a ritual significance; perhaps, like 647..., it depicts a rural ritual, in this case connected with agriculture. The deep cutting conforms with that of such ninth- or eighth-century stones as Berlin 682, and the seal may be of similar date."--Porada, CANES, p. 78

Summary: 

Man prodding ox with which he is plowing; before ox, plant -- In sky, crescent, star, seven globes.

Place: 
Southern Mesopotamia.
Classification: 
Department: