A Bactrian biconvex amuletic seal made from an attractive red hardstone featuring an engraved decoration of a recumbent zoomorphic figure on both sides. The obverse features a winged quadruped, possibly a mythological winged horse, with foliage decorations of figural short lines in the background. The reverse features a horned quadruped, perhaps an ibex or antelope. Intricate engraved detail to the wings, limbs and facial features of the creatures 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. Measurements: L 2.5 x W 2cm x H 0.8cm Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.