| Object Number | B14461 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Provenience | Iraq |
| Period | Syro-Hittite |
| Section | Near Eastern |
| Materials | Hematite |
| Description | PBS XIV: The worshiping in front of the bull altar, a rare Syro-Phoenician scene illustrating the cult of Moloch(?). The square body of the bull is ornamented with cross lines like a gridiron pattern. The four legs disposed at regular intervals on one plan do not copy nature but suggest a metal work for practical purpose. On the back of the bull, a flame – or an arm – seems to arise. Three bareheaded (?) worshipers in flounced or braided robes adore with one hand up. There are two (?) small crescents above. A worship of the bull, with sacrifices in front of his image, has been traced back to the early Elamite and Assyrian times. The few known examples of the same scene have been bought near Arbil, Mardin, or in Phoenicia. Cyl. seal. Hematite, 13 x 8 mm. MS Coll. |
| Credit Line | Bequest of Maxwell Sommerville, 1904 |
| Other Number | PBS XIV: 510 - Other Number | 1658 - Sommerville Gem Number | 29-128-1658 - Old Museum Number | P269427 - CDLI Number |
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