Mitanni Steatite Cylinder Seal with a Hunting Scene

Culture: Mitanni

Period: 15th-14th century B.C.

Material: Burnt steatite

Dimensions: 2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 6681

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 drill and graver in the so-called "common style", made of burnt steatite. The depiction shows a bearded hunter, who shoots at an antelope with his bow. Startled, the later jumps up and stands on its hind legs. The scene is lined by a stylized tree abundantly decorated with breaches. Scenes with archers at ibexes were so popular that they were almost considered as the “brand” for seals from the region of the Chabur triangle in northern Syria, the central area of the Mitanni kingdom. See for the type the cylinder seals in the Metropolitan Museum with the object number 56.81.17 as well as 56.81.28.