A Winged Hero Pursuing Two Ostriches
Cylinder seal and impression
Mesopotamia, Middle Assyrian period
(ca. 1250–1150 B.C.)
In one of the most striking of the Morgan’s Middle Assyrian seals, a hero pursues an adult ostrich, possibly representing the earthly equivalent of the griffin, the conveyor of death. The fleeing ostrich, with its head turned back in fear and fury and its feathers bristling, ranks among the greatest Mesopotamian depictions of animals. In the biblical Book of Job (39:13–17), the ostrich is considered a malevolent creature because it disdains its young, which may account for the presence of the young ostrich and enhances our understanding of this extraordinary seal.
The Morgan Library
Griffin Demon Grasping Bull
Cylinder seal and impression
Mesopotamia, Middle Assyrian period
(ca. fourteenth century B.C.)
The Morgan Library
Male Figure Before a Goddess Drawing Aside Her Mantle
Cylinder seal and impression
Syria (ca. 1720–1650 B.C.)
For the ancient Near East, the act of procreation symbolized creation itself. The female figure in this scene reveals only her pubic area as if to emphasize this idea of procreation rather than mere carnality. The hand-to-mouth gesture of the male figure, as well as his downward-stretched arm, document his astonishment at the symbolic truth being revealed to him.
The Morgan Library
Weather God with Helmet Standing on Mountains, Brandishing Mace and Holding Snake, Lotus Blossom, and Rein of Kneeling Bull Surmounted by Nude Goddess Opening Veil, Suppliant Goddess Behind
Cylinder seal and impression
Syria
(ca. 1720–1650 B.C.)
The Morgan Library
Suppliant Goddess with Scorpions Before Winged Goddess with Weapons in Chamber Formed by Guilloches
Cylinder seal and impression
Syria
(ca. 1720–1650 B.C.)
The Morgan Library
Nude Goddess with Open Veil and Worshiper Holding Hare Before Enthroned Male Figure, Vultures Above
Cylinder seal and impression
Syria
(ca. 1720–1650 B.C.)
The Morgan Library
Worshiper Led by Goddess Toward Enthroned God, inscribed
Cylinder seal and impression
Mesopotamia, Third Dynasty of Ur
(ca. 2112–2004 B.C.)
The religious sentiment of the period is profoundly visualized on this seal. The enthroned deity on the right receives a worshiper led by an interceding goddess. The deity is characterized by his erect posture, long flowing beard, and the steady gaze of his eye fully sculpted in profile. The scene is remarkable for the interaction of the figures expressed by their gestures, specifically through their delicately carved hands. Commerce was crucial to the success of the Third Dynasty of Ur; the inscription on the seal identifies its owner as a trader.
The Morgan Library
A Lion-Headed Eagle Grasping Two Mountain Goats, inscribed
Cylinder seal and impression
Mesopotamia, Post-Akkadian period
(ca. 2154–2100 B.C.)
The beautifully incised inscription on this unique cylinder was incorporated into the design to frame the composition. It relates that the seal was created for a man who was a minor official and scribe of a purification priest of the goddess Shara. This was probably at the ancient Southern Mesopotamian city of Lagash, where Shara was the consort of the chief god, Ningursu, and where the lion-headed eagle was a favored image. The delicately worked wings of the majestic lion-headed eagle give the impression that they are spreading open.
The Morgan Library
Enthroned Goddess with Worshipers Pouring a Libation over a Flaming Altar and Bearing Offerings
Cylinder seal and impression
Mesopotamia, Akkadian period
(ca. 2334–2154 B.C.)
The Morgan Library
Libation Before the Weather God and the Rain Goddess
Cylinder seal and impression
Mesopotamia, Akkadian period
(ca. 2334–2154 B.C.)
The Morgan Library