An Exceptional Near Eastern Hematite Cylinder Seal , Mid to late 2nd millennium BCE

A small and finely carved cylinder seal, crafted from rich dark brown hematite, comes from an era known for exceptional artistic expression in glyptic arts. Illustrating superior craftsmanship, the seal depicts a central figure—likely a deity or protective spirit—standing with arms raised in a symmetrical and frontal posture. The figure wears a headdress or diadem and features prominent outstretched wings, identifying it as a supernatural being or divine entity, a common motif in Mesopotamian glyptic art symbolizing divine authority and protective power. It grasps the tails of two confronting lions rendered in profile with exaggerated musculature and raised tails whose bodies curve downward as they attack a fallen antelope placed beneath them.

The central tableau is surmounted by common Mesopotamian and later Assyro-Babylonian divine emblems: a large winged disc flanked by two rosettes, potent symbols of celestial authority and divine favor. Below the figures runs a linear band composed of repeating triangles and notched motifs, serving as both a groundline and a decorative boundary—a typical feature in second-millennium BCE glyptic art that helps frame the narrative composition.

The craftsmanship is precise and symmetrical, with a dense, well-organized register of imagery that would produce a continuous narrative impression when rolled across clay. The seal is carved in high relief with exceptional clarity, showcasing the technical mastery of Mesopotamian lapidaries.

Notes:  This iconography parallels a seal impression found on a diplomatic letter from a Mitannian king to the king of Egypt, placing this type of seal within the sophisticated visual language of international diplomacy. The  Mitannian kingdom, a major power during the Late Bronze Age, was centered in northern Mesopotamia and eastern Syria between the 15th and 14th centuries BCE. It is most famously represented through its refined and expressive cylinder seals. These objects served not only as administrative tools but also as mediums for mythological storytelling, religious symbolism, and expressions of elite identity.

Medium: Hematite

Dimensions: Height: 0.78 inch (2 cm)

Condition: Excellent. The seal is intact, showcasing superb preservation; the finely detailed carving remains undamaged, and demonstrates only minor wear that is consistent with age.

Provenance:  Echeverria private collection, New York, New York, acquired from Antiquarium Ltd, NYC in 1993. Accompanied by a copy of the original paperwork.