between 2000 B.C. and 1750 B.C.
hematite
20 x 11 mm
Morgan Seal 932
Provenance:
Acquired by Pierpont Morgan sometime between 1885 and 1908.
Notes:
"Seal 932 is classified as belonging to the first Syrian group because it depicts, like 931, a figure holding an antelope by the neck. This curious motif is found later in Aegean art, as on a Mycenean seal and a "Melian" amphora, probably indicating Syrian influence in the Aegean area. ... The occurrence of griffin-demons in 932 and 933 should be noted, since this demon appears more and more frequently in Syrian, designs, subsequently also in the art of northern Mesopotamia at the time of the Mitannian empire, and finally in Assyria."--Porada, CANES, p. 122-123
Summary:
Armless griffin-demon facing worshiper who carries antelope by neck -- Terminal: sitting lion above herringbone band over sitting griffin and antelope, facing.
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