North Mesopotamian Gable Seal with Butterfly

Culture: Mesopotamia

Period: Ubaid period, 1st half of 4th millennium B.C.

Material: Steatite

Dimensions: 2.8 cm x 2.6 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 6500

Provenance: From the German collection Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012).

Condition: Minor wear, intact.

Description: Large, rectangular steatite gable seal stamp, which is pierced lengthwise. The seal surface depicts a stylized butterfly with spread out wings. The sides are slightly indented following the form of the animal. A rare, very interesting form. In ancient times seals guaranteed the authenticity of labelled properties. As such, they served for legal transactions and protected good from theft. Usually, these seals were worn around the neck or on a belt, where they always were handy.