cylinder seal

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Object Type
Museum number: 89279
Description: Goethite cylinder seal; the seal probably originally depicted the king with a mace facing the suppliant goddess on a base-line. The cutting wheel and drill have been used extensively on both figures which have been altered so that the "king" now has both arms bent and places one foot on couchant gazelle, while the goddess only raises one hand. Behind her are a crescent moon and a nude goddess - the latter probably part of the original design; between the two main figures are a crook and a couchant gazelle, facing right, with crooks on its back - both are more carefully cut than the remainder of the scene and may have been part of the original design, though this would leave scant room for the suppliant goddess's raised hands. The inscription was probably recut over an original inscription which was erased (and in the process the nude goddess was partially erased); slightly chipped.
Cultures/periods
Excavator/field collector
Materials
Technique: cut; drilled
Dimensions: Diameter: 1.10 centimetres (max?); Diameter: 1 centimetres (min?); Height: 2.60 centimetres
$Inscriptions
Bibliographic references
Location: Not on display
Condition: Fair; slightly chipped.
Subjects: mammal; sun/moon; deity; king/queen; arms/armour
Associated names: Named in inscription: Amurru; Named in inscription: An
Acquisition date: 1900 (pre)
Department: Middle East
BM/Big number: 89279
Registration number: 1983,0101.248

Free entry

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