A finely incised Akkadian hematite cylindrical seal. Carved across the surface is a ceremonial presentation scene with a five-pointed star disc above a seated figure, possibly a king or a deity, one standing figure behind, and two in front addressing him. The deity and figure behind are both wearing horned crowns, and the latter also holds a staff or sceptre with their foot raised on a stool. The first worshipper in front of the seated figure holds both hands in front of his face in a pious gesture, while the second holds an offering, possibly an animal, in his raised hands. The seal is pierced longitudinally for suspension. Evidence of some repair. This seal comes with a professionally baked, modern impression. Seals were often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and even 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 have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals were the predominant types in the ancient Near East. Measurements: Circa L 2cm x W 1.1cm Provenance: From Ex. Cotswold collection 1980.