Mitanni Hematite Cylinder Seal with Protective Genii

Culture: Mitanni

Period: 1500-1350 B.C.

Material: Hematite

Dimensions: 2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6693

Provenance: From the Austrian collection of Danho Abdul Massich, acquired in 1978 and since then in Austria.

Condition: Minimally chipped, with attractive traces of use.

Description: Beautiful Mitanni cylinder seal, engraved with a drill and graver in the so-called ‘Common’ or folk style, made of reddish haematite. The depiction shows a winged protective spirit (genius) with a bird’s head, striding to the right (on the impression), yet gazing to the left. Before him, a griffin opens its sharp beak wide, its wing stretched diagonally upwards. It represents the untamed force of nature and establishes the cosmic balance with the protective spirit. On the other side, a fish hovers above a scorpion. Both animals are intended to reinforce the apotropaic power of the seal. See for the type the Mitanni cylinder seals in the British Museum with the registration numbers 1983,0101.301 and 1983,0101.268.