seal + modern impression
- bibliography and image source:
Martin, Harriet: (unpublished; courtesy British School of Archaeology in Iraq).
.
- copyright for image:
British School of Archaeology in Iraq
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• museum number: IM87663
• excavation number: AbS1949
• provenience: Abu Salabikh
• dimension(s) (in cm):
height: 2.1; diam.: 1.15
• material: limestone
• date: (ca. 2400 BC)
• description:
The seal is complete and in good condition. In the centre of the composition are two crossed rampant lions. These attack herbivores on either side. The animal on the right turns its head away from the attacking lion; the animal on the left throws its
head back, exposing its neck to the attacking lion. Another animal, probably also a lion, attacks this animal from the left. This lion is, in turn, attacked by a human figure which approaches from the left. One arm is raised as if to stab the lion,
but no dagger is visible. The carving is simple and linear. Four intersecting lines delineate the human head, one line extended to form the nose. Animal heads are in profile and simple horizontal hatching marks the lions' manes.
• status: feared to be stolen
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