grey hardstone cylinder seal with hunting scenes

Afghanistan
7 cm high 3 cm diameter

In Mesopotamia, a cylinder-shaped seal could be rolled on a variety of objects made of clay. When seals were impressed on tablets or tablet cases the seal impressions served to identify the authority responsible for what was written in the documents, much as a signature does today. When seals were impressed on lumps of clay, the seal impressions served to identify their owner and protect against unauthorized opening.
Many cylinder seals have survived because they were made of durable materials such as this one which is stone. Perforated through the middle like a bead, seals were also believed to have protective, functions and were worn as jewelry or pinned on garments.The impression of a seal is shown here so that the design can be seen. The scene is composed of two groupings of a hunt. At the top and bottom are hunters and deer along with mythological creatures.
Sacred and secular beliefs of ancient Mesopotamian peoples, were visualized in the miniature images carved on the seals. The carver used intaglio, a technique in which the forms were cut into the stone, to create the raised impression. The challenge of the seal carver was to create a design that would maintain its balance and clarity when rolled out on a surface. Unlike much of the art of the Near East, which survives only in a fragmentary state, cylinder seals are in the unique position of appearing almost exactly as they would have looked to the ancient people who used them.Chip along the top.If there is interest, I will provide other details/information available prior to purchase.Reference:
Art of the Ancient Near East: A Resource for Educators (2010)

Antiques.co.uk Ref: HUYRAGQM

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