Neo-Assyrian Stamp Seal

Culture: Assyrian

Period: 8th-7th century B.C.

Material: Steatite

Dimensions: 2.3 cm x 1.8 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 6487

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

Condition: Two corners are worn since ancient times, except for traces of wear intact.

Description: Finely worked out Neo-Assyrian steatite stamp seal with a rectangular seal area, which depicts an offering bearer or god (Aššur with the tree of life?) facing to the right. In front of him floral plant. The image area is framed by a fine notched pattern. The handle is horizontally pierced for suspension, profiled and on top decorated with three grooves. 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.