Cylinder Seal c. 800

This Cylinder Seal, dating back to c. 800, is a striking example of ancient Mesopotamian art. The seal, carved from red jasper, features a deity with a horned headdress, possibly a representation of a god associated with protection or fertility. The intricate details of the figure's garments and the surrounding symbols highlight the skill of the anonymous artist. Cylinder seals were used as stamps to authenticate documents and ownership, and their artistic motifs often reflected the beliefs and values of the time. This seal, now housed in the Minneapolis Institute of Art, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural history of ancient Mesopotamia.