| Object Number | B8994 |
| Current Location | Collections Storage |
| Provenience | Iraq | Tello |
| Period | Babylonian Period |
| Section | Near Eastern |
| Materials | Serpentine |
| Description | CBS Register: Babylonian seal cylinder, serpentine PBS XIV: Contests of divine heroes of the cycle of Shamash. They are nude athletes like Gilgamesh, and have their loins girded with a belt, the loose end of which hands on the hip. They have a long beard, their hair tied in a loop, and a horned mitre never worn by Gilgamesh. One hero seizes from behind the hand of his enemy armed with a club, and pulls down his mitre which the latter tries to protect with his free hand. A second hero steps on the leg of his flying enemy and clubs him to death while pulling down his mitre in the same manner. They exemplify the fights of Shamash against clouds and darkness, and his triumph over his enemies. At times Shamash himself with rays from his shoulders takes an active part in the battle. Pulling down the enemy’s crown is an important and clear symbol. The separate groups of fighters are in the best Akkadian style. Cyl. seal. Green jadelike stone, 14 x 9 mm |
| Credit Line | Babylonian Expedition II, 1890 |
| Other Number | PBS XIV: 148 - Other Number | P263811 - CDLI Number |
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