Cylinder seal
Unknown Artist
ca. 1720–1650 BCE
Medium
Hematite
Dimensions
H. 2.6 cm x Diam. 1.4 cm
Classification
Stone-Cylinder Seals
Period
Old Syrian
Department
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of The Right Reverend Paul Moore Jr., 1985
Accession Number
1985.357.3
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite hematite cylinder seal, dating the Old Syrian period (. 1720–1650 BCE), exemplifies the artistry of ancient Near Eastern civilizations. Measuring just 2.6 cm high and 1.4 cm in diameter, was designed to be rolled across wet clay, imprinting its intricate carvings as a mark of ownership, authentication, or ritual significance. Crafted from durable hematite—a dense, iron-rich stone prized for its resistance to wear—the seal features human figures, depicting scenes from daily life, mythology, or divine worship, though specifics remain enigmatic due to its compact scale. Cylinder s...