Cylinder Seal

CBS Register: cylinder seal. flint? A votary before Nannar. Inscribed "Samas il Aa. c.1800 bc. Vase, libation, monkey, winged dragon, etc. 26 x 15 mm

UE X: a bare-headed worshipper is introduced to a seated diety holding a very small conical object. The seal is inscribed to Samas and Aa. If this is the solar deity, he is apparently beardless, with short hair and a turban tied about his head. A lock or a loose fillet descends past his ear onto his chest. He is draped in a flounced robe. There is a squatting monkey at his knees and behind him a small nude servant holding a buckled shaft or club. His throne is built like a triple-recessed gate. The assistant leads the worshipper with one hand, and holds in the other a crescent on a short staff. He wears a flounced robe like the god, but there is on his head a distinct pair of round horns and again the curious line descending on the chest. The worshipper wears short hair and beard (?) and a pleated robe. Before him are placed the ampulla and libra, particularly well designed. Below the inscription, nude hunters, club in hand, attack a winged dragon rampant. Here again a small line connects head and chest. Grey steatite cylinder.