Anatolian Steatite Cylinder Seal, Ubaid Culture (5000–3600 BCE)

Description

Of the earliest known form, carved from black steatite and incised on four sides. One large flat sides carved with a human figure holding a sword or long tool, the other with stylized vegetation motif, the two narrow sides carved with lines, a hole drilled for suspension through the last two sides. Early seals such as this example were manufactured in north Syria and south-east Anatolia during the Ubaid Period (5000-3600 BC).

Ref: Pittman, Holly. Ancient Art in Miniature: Ancient Near Eastern Seals from the Collection of Martin and Sarah Cherkasky. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art (1987)

Dominique Collon. 7000 Years of Seals. London: The Trustees of the British Museum (1997)

Dimensions: Length: 1.4 cm (0.55 inches), Width: 1.5 cm (0.59 inches)

Condition: With minor expected wear, overall intact and in very good condition.

Provenance: RDA private collection, acquired from the NY trade as part of a collection assembled in the 1970’s and 1980’s.