A Bactrian biconvex amulet made from an attractive red hardstone featuring an engraved decoration of a zoomorphic figure on both sides. The amulet is disc-shaped with two circular faces, gently domed. On either side is carved a winged quadruped, possibly a mythological winged horse, with foliage decorations of figural short lines in the background. Intricate engraved detail to the wings and facial features of the creature portray a stylised image. The amulet is perforated longitudinally for suspension. Some scratches and minor wear to the surface. A few earthy encrustations. Seals are often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and occasionally sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership – as such, they were instrumental in legal transactions, and in the protection of goods against theft. Seal amulets with stylised animals or fantasised zoomorphic figural have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late forth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals are predominant types in the ancient Near East. Diameter: 2.5cm Weight: 6.01g Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.