A light grey stone cylinder Mesopotamian cylinder seal from the Akkadian period, seal drilled vertically for suspension. The seal has been carved to show a classic "contest scene" motif in which two heroic or divine figures grapple with rampant lions. The heroes are shown nude or semi-nude, muscular, and in profile, each holding the lion by its forelegs or throat (a common depiction of mastery over chaos): Similar heroes or deities on either side, with long beards, horned helmets (indicating divinity), and possibly weapons. A scorpion and smaller bull figure act as fillers. The lions are stylised with exaggerated manes and muscular forms. Supplied with the impression in modern hard wax.
 
Mesopotamia: Circa 2350-2150 BC.
 
Very Fine condition
Height 29.2 x 21.4 mms (1.15 x 0.85 ins)
 
Provenance: From a Cotswold, UK, collection. The entire collection was seen and some entries catalogued (not this one) by the late Professor Wilfrid George Lambert, professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham in the period 1970-1993.
 
The contest was a favourite subject during the Akkadian period, symbolising the triumph of civilisation/order (the heroes or gods) over the forces of nature/chaos (lions, wild beasts).