Stamp Seal

31-43-75

Location: On Display in the Middle East Galleries

From: Iraq | Ur

Curatorial Section: Near Eastern

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Object Number 31-43-75
Current Location Middle East Galleries - On Display
Culture Indian
Provenience Iraq | Ur
Archaeology Area upper rubbish over pump house AH | UE X: from the upper rubbish at Cassite level over the houses in AH, the domestic quarter
Manufacture Location Persian Gulf
Locus Over pump house, A.H.
Period Cassite (uncertain)
Section Near Eastern
Materials Steatite
Iconography Man | Jar | Star
Description

Round, flat seal. Man carrying jars, stars. Most likely an import from Dilmun, in the Persian Gulf.

UE X: Indian seal (C.J. Gadd, No. 12). The central figure is that of the water-carrier, with skins or pts hung on each end of the yoke across his shoulders and another below his left arm. Below the right skin a stand with high sides may represent a receptacle for the water. On either side of the man's head is a star, and the whole subject is enclosed by parenthesis marks. This is writing in the form of fully developed pictures. All figures appear in the script. Among the seals of India or Mesopotamia, this example is unique. Button seal of grey steatite. Upper side convex and decorated with four circles and three grooves.

Length 2.5 cm
Outside Diameter 0.6 cm
Credit Line British Museum/University Museum Expedition to Ur, Iraq, 1931
Other Number U.16747 - Field No SF | UE X: 628 - Other Number

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