An Anatolian Stone Seal, Ubaid Period, 5000-3600 BCE

the earliest form carved from black steatite and incised with stylized vegetation motif, a hole drilled for suspension. Early seals such as this example were manufactured in north Syria and south-east Anatolia during the Ubaid Period (5000-3600 BC).

Ref: Pittman, Holly. Ancient Art in Miniature: Ancient Near Eastern Seals from the Collection of Martin and Sarah Cherkasky. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art (1987)

Dominique Collon. 7000 Years of Seals. London: The Trustees of the British Museum (1997)

Condition: Intact and in very good condition overall. Drilled perforation through the center for suspension.

Dimensions: Height: 1 inch  (2.5 cm)

Provenance: Alex Malloy collection, acquired in the 1990's.