Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

3800–3500 BCE
Diameter: 2.8 x 2.7 x 0.9 cm (1 1/8 x 1 1/16 x 3/8 in.)
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.

Download, Print and Share

Did You Know?

These amulets were commonly found in tombs of women and children.

Description

Delicately carved from exotic semiprecious stone, this tiny seal in the shape of a lion's head (rendered in profile) would have functioned not only as the legal signature of its ancient owner but also a protective amulet, magically conferring to its wearer the lion's natural virtues of courage, leadership, and strength.
Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

3800–3500 BCE

Mesopotamia, Iraq

Visually Similar Artworks

Contact us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@clevelandart.org.

To request more information about this object, study images, or bibliography, contact the Ingalls Library Reference Desk.

All images and data available through Open Access can be downloaded for free. For images not available through Open Access, a detail image, or any image with a color bar, request a digital file from Image Services.