1900-1700 BC. A carved haematite cylinder seal with standing figures and cuneiform text; accompanied by a museum-quality impression and an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: Cylinder Seal of Hematite 26.5 x 13 mm. The design consists of an inscription in two lines of Babylonian cuneiform and a standing figure each side. The inscription names a god and his father: dmar-dú Amurru, / dumu an-na son of Anum. Amurru was the Babylonian shepherd god, and Anum the Sumerian god of heaven. To the right of the inscription stands a Lamma goddess in horned tiara and long flounced robe, raising both hands. To the left stands the god with mace, wearing a hat with deep brim and clothes to the knees, holding his mace at the waist. A filling motif is a sitting monkey before the god with mace. This is an Old Babylonian seal, c. 1900-1700 B.C. It is in fine [sic] state of preservation. 12 grams, 26mm (1"). From a London, UK, collection; acquired 1970s. This lot is part of a single collection of cylinder seals which were examined in the 1980s by Professor Lambert and most are accompanied by his own detailed notes; the collection has recently been reviewed by Dr. Ronald Bonewitz.

Very fine condition.