Syrian Cylinder Seal with Divinities, Griffin
Artist
Unidentified artist
, Syrian
CultureSyrian, Syro-Hittite
Datec. 1850-1750 BCE
Mediumhematite
Dimensions1 x 1/2 in. (2.6 x 1.3 cm)
Classificationssculpture
Credit LineAckland Fund
Object number72.53.4
DescriptionThis seal has two aspects. The first is the central scene with a nude frontal goddess attended by a clothed goddess in profile and bracketed by two males whose elaborate dress and prominence suggests they are mortal rulers. The two bearded men wear human garments—long, elaborate robes draped over the shoulder and a large hat or headdress—and each raises a hand toward the central female. The female figure to right of the nude goddess wears an intricate seven-layered fringed robe and pointed headdress. She raises both arms towards the central figure. At upper right a secondary scene features two small dancing figures holding a bird staff over a guilloche (braid). Below the guilloche is a seated griffin. The central goddess with hands at her sides is a variation of the Egyptian female nude with hands at her sides. She has been identified as Sirbanit (Sarpanitu), the wife of Marduk, who is the patron god of Babylon.30 Sirbanit is typically shown standing beside several deities, but rarely nude.31 As the central figure and recipient of supplication, Sirbanit most likely represents her own power as a deity, as well as the might and influence of her husband.On View
Not on viewCollections
