**First Time At Auction**

Central Asia, Mesopotamia, Assyrian Empire, ca 2000 to 1500 BCE. Fine hematite cylinder seal carved in running narrative. This seal shows ruler seated upon 4-legged chair holding an object in his extended right hand, robed individual approaching with small monkey separates them, palm tree behind, crescent moon above. Size: .625" L (1.6 cm)

Cylinder seals like this example were used by individuals in every level of society - from kings and rulers, to merchants and tradespeople, to workers and slaves - to communicate messages. They often were handed down from father to son, sometimes with minor differences added to differentiate the new owner from the old.

Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#165313

Intact and near-choice.