Artwork Page for Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

Details / Information for Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

3800–3500 BCE

Mesopotamia, Iraq

Medium
agate
Measurements
Diameter: 2.8 x 2.7 x 0.9 cm (1 1/8 x 1 1/16 x 3/8 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Mabel Porozynski in honor and remembrance of Eugene Porozynski 2000.42
Public Domain
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Location
102A Ancient Near East
Print
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Did You Know?

These amulets were commonly found in tombs of women and children.

Description

Delicately carved from exotic semiprecious stone, this tiny seal in the shape of a lion's head (rendered in profile) would have functioned not only as the legal signature of its ancient owner but also a protective amulet, magically conferring to its wearer the lion's natural virtues of courage, leadership, and strength.
A rounded amulet in the shape of a lion's head is made of polished agate. Banded layers of translucent white, gray, and charcoal wrap around the stone. The face features a projecting snout with a small mouth and nostrils defined by shallow grooves. Deeply incised ridges suggest a mane along the crown and sides. At the very center of the head sits a small, light brown protrusion.

Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

3800–3500 BCE

Mesopotamia, Iraq

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