HEMATITE STAMP SEAL DEPICTING A BIRD HUNTING AN ANIMAL, NEO ...

Estimate

£300 - £400

HEMATITE STAMP SEAL DEPICTING A BIRD HUNTING AN ANIMAL, NEO BABYLONIAN PERIOD 

This finely crafted hematite stamp seal from the Neo-Babylonian period is a remarkable artifact, showcasing the detailed artistry of ancient Mesopotamian craftsmanship. The seal, likely dating from the 7th to 6th century B.C., features an intricate engraving of a bird in the act of hunting a smaller animal, a scene that captures the naturalism and symbolic importance of wildlife in Babylonian culture.

The dark, polished surface of the hematite highlights the precision of the engraving, with the figures depicted in dynamic poses that convey a sense of movement and interaction. The accompanying clay impression provides a clear view of the seal’s detailed imagery, demonstrating how it would have been used to imprint designs onto soft materials, such as clay or wax, for sealing documents or goods.

Seals of this kind were essential tools in the administrative practices of the Neo-Babylonian Empire, often carried by officials or merchants to authenticate transactions and secure property. The use of hematite, a material prized for its hardness and sheen, further emphasises the significance of this object.

L: 2.2 cm