Middle Assyrian Scaraboid Seal

Culture: Assyrian

Period: 1400-1100 B.C.

Material: Steatite

Dimensions: 1.9 cm long

Price: 200 Euro

Ref: 6491

Provenance: From the German collection Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012).

Condition: Intact

Description: Early scaraboid seal, modeled after the Egyptian scarabs in its shape, and popular especially in the Assyrian Empire and the Levant. The seal area depicts two jumping deers or antelopes, mother and cub. Pierced lengthwise for suspension. In ancient times seals guaranteed the authenticity of labelled properties. As such, they served for legal transactions and protected good from theft. Usually, these seals were worn around the neck or on a belt, where they always were handy.