One of twenty-one seals c. 800

This carnelian seal, dated to around 800, depicts a winged griffin in an intricate, carved design. The seal, one of twenty-one similar pieces, showcases the artistry of anonymous seal cutters in the ancient world. The griffin, a mythical creature with the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion, was often associated with power and protection in ancient Mesopotamian art. The seal’s intricate details and symbolic imagery reflect the importance of seals in ancient societies, used for identification and authentication.