Cylinder Seal with a Presentation Scene and an Inscription

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The depicted scene features a central motif of a stylized tree on a platform. On one side is a standing figure, on the other a seated figure holding a mace or staff of some kind. One register of cuneiform script is also included in the scene. Cylinder seals are cylindrical objects carved in reverse (intaglio) in order to leave raised impressions when rolled into clay. Seals were generally used to mark ownership, and they could act as official identifiers, like a signature, for individuals and institutions. A seal’s owner rolled impressions in wet clay to secure property such as baskets, letters, jars, and even rooms and buildings. This clay sealing prevented tampering because it had to be broken in order to access a safeguarded item. Cylinder seals were often made of durable material, usually stone, and most were drilled lengthwise so they could be strung and worn. A seal’s material and the images inscribed on the seal itself could be protective. The artistry and design might be appreciated and considered decorative as well. Cylinder seals were produced in the Near East beginning in the fourth millennium BCE and date to every period through the end of the first millennium BCE.

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Page: 2
Source index: 0
Type: photo
Media ID: 33bbcdcb81343306
Size: unknown

Document data

ID: 18930
Core: obj
Type: object

DTO data

{
"id": "18930",
"sourceUrl": "https://purl.thewalters.org/art/42.621",
"contentType": "object",
"stage": "normalized",
"title": "Cylinder Seal with a Presentation Scene and an Inscription",
"description": "The depicted scene features a central motif of a stylized tree on a platform. On one side is a standing figure, on the other a seated figure holding a mace or staff of some kind. One register of cuneiform script is also included in the scene. Cylinder seals are cylindrical objects carved in reverse (intaglio) in order to leave raised impressions when rolled into clay. Seals were generally used to mark ownership, and they could act as official identifiers, like a signature, for individuals and institutions. A seal’s owner rolled impressions in wet clay to secure property such as baskets, letters, jars, and even rooms and buildings. This clay sealing prevented tampering because it had to be broken in order to access a safeguarded item. Cylinder seals were often made of durable material, usually stone, and most were drilled lengthwise so they could be strung and worn. A seal’s material and the images inscribed on the seal itself could be protective. The artistry and design might be appreciated and considered decorative as well. Cylinder seals were produced in the Near East beginning in the fourth millennium BCE and date to every period through the end of the first millennium BCE.",
"provenance": "Henry Walters, Baltimore, [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York, 1931, by inheritance; Joseph Brummer, Paris and New York, 1941, by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1941, by purchase.",
"date": "ca. 2050-1950 BCE (Ur III)",
"citationUrl": "https://purl.thewalters.org/art/42.621",
"rightsUri": "CC0",
"language": "en",
"genreSpecific": [
"Precious Stones & Gems",
"cylinder seals"
],
"iiifBase": "https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/CUR_42.621_VwA_UK.jpg",
"thumbnailUrl": "https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/CUR_42.621_VwA_UK.jpg",
"largeImageUrl": "https://art.thewalters.org/images/art/CUR_42.621_VwA_UK.jpg",
"imageCount": 7,
"pageCount": 7,
"source": "import",
"dimensionsRaw": "Diam: 1/2 in. (1.3 cm)"
}

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Document identity

{
    "localId": "18930",
    "label": "Cylinder Seal with a  Presentation Scene and an Inscription",
    "core": "obj",
    "dtoType": "object",
    "citationUrl": "https://purl.thewalters.org/art/42.621"
}

Document source metadata

Document source extras

{
    "cul": "Neo-Sumerian",
    "inscriptions": [
        "[Transliteration",
        "Sumerian] 1. {d}mar-tu [https://cdli.ucla.edu/search/archival_view.php?ObjectID=P272861]"
    ],
    "med": "black stone",
    "creator_ids": [
        "4297"
    ],
    "collection_ids": [
        "ANE"
    ],
    "exhibition_ids": []
}

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