Ritual scene: Two worshippers holding streamers of winged sun-disc while another stands behind – Mythological scene: Two scorpion-tailed griffins flanking wild goat (ibex) [dual scene]


Ritual scene: Two worshippers holding streamers of winged sun-disc while another stands behind – Mythological scene: Two scorpion-tailed griffins flanking wild goat (ibex) [dual scene]
Kategória Cylinder Seals
Description of the seal image The seal image comprises two scenes arranged in superimposed registers framed by line borders at the top and bottom and separated by a band of running guilloche in the middle. In the upper register, two bearded worshippers wearing long, fringed robes hold the streamers of the winged sun-disc above a stylised, palmette-like plant. They both have swords at their waists and tassels or ribbons on their backs. Behind the one facing right stands another, similarly clothed and armed bearded worshipper, while behind him, arranged in a column are an eight-rayed, globe-centred star above the Sibitti (Pleiades) and a large fish. In the lower register, two scorpion-tailed griffins flank a wild goat (ibex) with bunched legs. Above the tails of the hybrid creatures is a rhomb. Their legs are seemingly linked by a faint double line.
Figures, motifs/symbols - borderlines (2): line borders at the top and bottom; the scenes are separated by a band of running guilloche
- fish
- rhomb
- scorpion-tailed griffins (2): crested, winged
- star: eight-rayed, globe-centred
- stylised plant: palmette-like
- wild goat (ibex): with bunched legs, head turned backwards
- winged sun-disc: with streamers
- worshippers (3): bearded, wearing long, fringed robes, have tassells or ribbons on their backs and swords at their waists
Subcategory cylinder seal
Collection The Walters Art Museum, Baltimore
Museum number WAM 42.735
Condition, shape edges slightly worn; scratched in the lower image field
Culture Neo-Assyrian
Culture and/or date Neo-Assyrian
Provenance ex-Henry Walters Collection (Baltimore); inherited by Sadie Jones (Mrs Henry Walters) in 1931 (New York); purchased by Joseph Brummer (Paris and New York) in 1941; purchased by The Walters Art Museum in 1941
First occurence before 1931
Archaeological context N/A
Registration number N/A
Dimensions (mm): height, diameter h: 35, d: 12
Material and features "black stone, iron pin"
Bibliography

"Cylinder Seal with Griffins, Humans and a Winged Disk". The Walters Art Museum: https://art.thewalters.org/detail/34721/cylinder-seal-with-griffins-humans-and-a-winged-disk/ [accessed: 06-11-2023].