Beschreibung:

WESTERN ASIATIC SUMERIAN CYLINDER SEAL WITH ANIMALS 3000 BC A marble cylinder seal with frieze of animals; accompanied by a museum-quality impression and typed and signed scholarly note issued by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: "Cylinder Seal of Red Marble 16 x 15 mm. The design is a frieze of three horned animals moving to the right, with a ladder pattern over the back of each one. This is a Sumerian seal of the Jemdet Nasr period, c.3000 B.C. It is done with the graver, and is in fine condition. The design reflects the situation in Sumer: due to lack of pasture for much of the year, sheep and goats were the normal domestic animals. Cattle and gazelles (which were being domesticated at this period) were the prized possession of temple and big estates. The ladders are [sic] stylized version of ears of barley which often appear above the backs of animal rows. Barley was their staple crop, providing food and drink: bread and beer." 7.34 grams, 16mm (3/4"). Very fine condition. Provenance Property of a London gentleman; part of his family collection since the 1970s. Footnotes This lot is part of a single collection of cylinder seals which were examined in the 1980s by Professor Lambert and most are accompanied by his own detailed notes; the collection has recently been reviewed by Dr. Ronald Bonewitz.