A Published Neo-Assyrian Hematite Cylinder Seal, ca. 8th Century BCE

An exceptional Neo-Assyrian cylinder seal masterfully carved from fine black hematite depicting a richly symbolic ritual scene.  The primary figure is a bearded male, likely a priest, royal figure, or one identified in recent scholarship as an utukku—a powerful protective or ancestral spirit that embodies the ancestral king.  He stands facing right, grasping a mace (symbol of authority or ritual power) in his left hand, which is raised in a formal gesture.  There is a stylized bull's head in the field positioned below the elbow.  He wears a tiered, fringed garment, and his hair is arranged in a domed coiffure with a distinct bun at the back and a band across the forehead; traits consistent with Neo-Assyrian royal priests or protective spirits (utukku).   Two small kneeling winged figures, possibly genies or apkallu, flank the base of his robe in mirrored poses.

Flanking this figure are two rampant griffins, their bird-like heads with crested combs, rounded eyes, and large wings extending across their backs.  Below one griffin is a recumbent quadruped, likely a lion or bull, suggesting themes of dominance or divine control over wild animals. 

Each griffin faces a central stylized sacred tree, also known as the tree of life. This tree is a significant religious and cosmological symbol representing divine order, royal legitimacy, and cosmic balance. Framed by scroll-like vegetal forms, the tree features a vertical trunk with symmetrical side branches and is topped with a large rosette or lotus bloom.

Several small, circular elements are scattered throughout the field, likely representing celestial bodies (such as stars or planets) or divine emblems.  Stylized branches and rosettes further enhance the background, adding to the symmetrical and sacred nature of the scene.

The carving is deeply and crisply incised in linear relief, showcasing an impressive level of detail.  The composition reflects themes of divine protection, royal authority, and the connection between the human and supernatural realms.  This is consistent with Neo-Assyrian royal and religious symbolism, particularly seen in monumental reliefs from Nimrud and Khorsabad.  The seal's formal structure, rich symbolic layers, and excellent condition suggest that it was created for a person of high status, likely for use in the court or for ceremonial purposes.

Published: Ilton, P "The Bible was my Treasure Map, Archaeological Adventures in the Holy Land. New York, Julian Messner Inc, (1958), inside cover.

Background:  The pairing of a central figure with winged genies or hybrid creatures and a sacred tree is characteristic of Neo-Assyrian glyptic art from the 9th–7th centuries BCE, especially under the reigns of Ashurnasirpal II and Sargon II. These motifs frequently appear in palace wall reliefs and official state seals, reinforcing the power of the king as divinely ordained. The utukku interpretation is supported by both the ritual stance and his isolation within the composition, suggesting a supernatural role.

Condition:   Intact and in excellent condition overall.  Presented on a museum-quality custom mount.

Dimensions:  Length: 3.7 cm (1.45 inches)

Provenance:  Paul I. Ilton (1904-1958) private collection and then by descent to his son, Arie Ilton. Born in Germany and educated in Universities Cologne and Berlin, Ilton moved to Palestine in 1934 becoming a Palestinian citizen, conducting continuous archaeological research in Palestine, Trans-Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Hedjaz-At and assembling a personal collection that was published in 1958. With the outbreak of World War II, he entered the British Information Service in Jerusalem and served with the rank of captain until 1946 when he took up permanent residence in the United States lecturing at both New York University and Cornell University.

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