Cylinder Seal Collection

Sumerian cylinder-seal impression depicting a governor being introduced to the king
Sumerian cylinder-seal impression depicting Haskhamer, Governor of the city of Ishkun-sin is introduced to the King of Ur (Ur-Nammu) who is seated by the goddess Ishtar, note the symbol of the moon

Cuneiform tablet showing accounts of barley distribution, c. 3000 BC (clay)
3525809 Cuneiform tablet showing accounts of barley distribution, c.3000 BC (clay) by Sumerian; 5.5x6x4.2 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

The Scorpion Men from the Epic Of Gilgamesh (engraving)
3647842 The Scorpion Men from the Epic Of Gilgamesh (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Scorpion Men from the Epic Of Gilgamesh)

Cuneiform tablet case impressed with four cylinder seals, c. 20th-19th century BC (clay)
5049861 Cuneiform tablet case impressed with four cylinder seals, c.20th-19th century BC (clay) by Assyrian School; 5.6x4.6x2.5 cm; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Cylinder seal, Middle Minoan III Period - Late Minoan I Period c. 1800 - c
3704875 Cylinder seal, Middle Minoan III Period - Late Minoan I Period c.1800 - c.1450 BC (blue chalcedony) by Minoan; length: 1.5 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

Early Sumerian cylinder-seal and impression, from the British Museums collection

Akkadian cylinder-seal impression of the scribe Adda, 22nd century BC
Akkadian cylinder-seal impression of the scribe Adda. It represents a new year ritual, and from left to right are: Ninurth carrying a bow, Ishtar with wings, Shamash with sun-bird and saw, and Ea

Akkadian cylinder-seal and impression of the flood epic, showing Uta-Napaishtim in a boat, and Gilgamesh with a bull

Lapis lazuli cylinder seal, from Ur, southern Iraq, c2600 BC. This cylinder seal comes from the Queens Grave in the cemetery at Ur. The seal is engraved with a banquet scene

Chalcedony cylinder-seal in the first Kassite style, owned by Sha-if-Imma, son of Lugal-Mansi

Akkadian cylinder-seal impression of a hero fighting a lion
Akkadian cylinder-seal impression of a hero (possibly Gilgamesh) fighting a lion

Achaemenid cylinder-seal impression referring to the Greek wars, showing a Persian soldier smiting a Greek

Achaemenid cylinder-seal impression of a Royal hunt. The King holds a Gon and a man with a flail seizes a bull. It symbolises the the triumph of the King over his enemies

Neo-Assyrian cylinder-seal impression depicting Ahura Mazda

Carnelian cylinder seal of Mushezib-Ninurta, Neo-Assyrian, from northern Iraq, 9th century BC
Carnelian cylinder seal of Mushezib-Ninurta, Neo-Assyrian, from Sherif Khan (Tarbisu), northern Iraq, 9th century BC. The king, shown in mirror image

Akkadian cylinder-seal impression of Gilgamesh and a Lion

Akkadian cylinder-seal impression, showing the water-god Ea on the right

Akkadian cylinder-seal impression of a bull-man and hero. Each is holding a bull by the horns, and in the centre is a stylised mountain with a sacred tree on top

Cylinder seal with a bull, Indus Valley, Harappa, 2500-2000 BC

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The ancient art of the cylinder seal has left behind a rich tapestry of history and culture. From Sumerian to Akkadian civilizations, these small yet intricate objects have provided us with glimpses into the lives and beliefs of our ancestors. One such example is a Sumerian cylinder-seal impression depicting a governor being introduced to the king. This scene captures the hierarchical structure of society during that time, showcasing the importance placed on authority and respect. Another fascinating artifact is a cuneiform tablet showing accounts of barley distribution from around 3000 BC. This clay tablet provides evidence of early economic systems, revealing how resources were managed and allocated in ancient societies. Intriguing depictions can also be found in engravings like "The Scorpion Men" from the Epic Of Gilgamesh. These mythical creatures symbolize both danger and protection, reflecting the complex beliefs held by Mesopotamians regarding supernatural beings. Cylinder seals were not only used for impressions but also served as decorative elements on cases. One such case impressed with four cylinder seals dates back to the 20th-19th century BC. The intricate designs on these seals showcase skilled craftsmanship and artistic expression. Moving beyond Mesopotamia, we find examples like a Middle Minoan III Period - Late Minoan I Period cylinder seal from Crete. Its unique style reflects local cultural influences while still incorporating motifs seen in other regions during this period. Akkadian civilization contributed significantly to cylinder seal art as well. Impressions featuring individuals like Adda, an esteemed scribe from the 22nd century BC, provide insights into professions and social status at that time. Mythology was another popular theme depicted on these seals; one notable example being an Akkadian representation of the flood epic – an event shared across various cultures worldwide but interpreted differently in each context. Materials used for creating these seals varied greatly too.