Mitanni Hematite Cylinder Seal with Protective Genii

Culture: Mitanni

Period: around 1500 B.C.

Material: Hematite

Dimensions: 2.1 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6678

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

Condition: Intact

Description: Beautiful Mitanni cylinder seal engraved with a drill and graver in the so-called “common style”, made of metallic shining hematite. The scene shows two hybrid creatures with bird heads and human bodies holding long scepters with globular ends. These are the protective genii meant to shield the owner of the seal from evil forces. This function is reinforced by the cosmic rings to the left and right of the figures, which may be interpreted as stars or the Seven Gods (the Pleiades), offering protection and influencing fate. For a cylinder seal of similar size in the Mitanni common style, see the example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the object no. 1999.325.187.