Middle or Neo-Assyrian Hardstone Stamp Seal with Snake Motif

The Middle Assyrian Empire or early Neo-Assyrian Empire, c. 1300-900 BC, Ancient Near East.

This exceptional, finely engraved Assyrian stamp seal is made from reddish-brown polished hardstone, shaped in a domed form. The flat side of the seal is intricately carved with an S-shaped serpent motif, composed of delicate geometric lines. This stunning seal is horizontally perforated for suspension, indicating it may have been worn as an ornament, in addition to its functional role as a signet. Such seals were highly personal items, often used to authenticate and secure documents, ensuring their owner’s authority and marking them with a symbolic or ritualistic significance.

The Middle Assyrian Empire (c. 1363-912 BC) marks a pivotal era in Assyrian history, beginning with the rise of Ashur-uballit I and the establishment of Assyria as a territorial kingdom. This period set the stage for the later expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire, which reached its zenith under rulers such as Adad Nirari II (912-891 BC), extending the empire's reach across much of Mesopotamia, Anatolia, the Levant, Egypt, and parts of Persia and Arabia. The Neo-Assyrians were known for their formidable military, technological innovations, and highly structured governance.

The Assyrian empire thrived, controlling vast territories, but struggled to maintain dominance over Babylonia, a conflict that would contribute to the empire’s eventual collapse in the 7th century BC. Despite this, the legacy of Assyria, with its advanced systems of warfare, governance, and culture, profoundly influenced the ancient Near East.

This beautifully carved seal represents the intricate artistry of Assyrian craftsmanship and serves as a fascinating artifact of personal identity and power within the Middle and Neo-Assyrian periods. Excellent condition. Intact. Age-related smooth wear. Mineral deposits. Size approx. 1,5cm x 1,3cm x 1,3cm.

Provenance: Ex SM collection London, England, acquired in 1970's.

References and further reading:

Selves Engraved on Stone: Seals and Identity in the Ancient Near East, ca. 1415–1050, Serdar Yalçın, BCE Series: Culture and History of the Ancient Near East, Volume: 129, Leiden, The Netherlands: Brill, 2022. (https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004524569_002)

Neo-Assyrian Empire, Joshua J. Mark, World History Encyclopedia. Last modified June 30, 2014. (https://www.worldhistory.org/Neo-Assyrian_Empire/.)

The Imperialisation of Assyria: An Archaeological Approach, Bleda S. Düring, Cambridge University Press, 30 Jan 2020.

Neo-Assyrian History, ArcGIS StoryMaps, 14 May 2020. (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/1fa60557e9244a18b924809f862cc183)

Assyria, 1365–609 B.C., Department of Ancient Near Eastern Art, In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. Originally published October 2004, last revised April 2010. (http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/assy/hd_assy.htm)