A large Akkadian green and black serpentine cylinder seal

CIRCA 2300-2200 B.C.

Details

A large Akkadian green and black serpentine cylinder seal
Circa 2300-2200 B.C.
Showing the captive bird-man, Anzû, being led before the seated water-god, Ea, the latter identified by streams of water flowing to either side with leaping fish, the bird-man approaching being flanked by two attendant gods, the god behind holding a mace, the deity in front being the water-god's two faced Vizier, Usmû, a crescent and star in the field
1 5/8in. (4cm.) high

Lot Essay

Anzû, the bird-man, stole the Tablets of Destiny from Ea and the above scene shows him being brought as a prisoner before the water god. Cf. D. Collon, Catalogue of the Western Asiatic Seals in the British Museum, op. cit, pp. 95-98, nos. 199-204, pl. XXIX for similar seals.

More from Antiquities

View All