KASSITE SEAL
ASTROLOGER GREETS KING OF THE EARTH - ($20 US)
1500 BC
Black stone gypsum cylinder seal, 30 mm (1.25"), with matching impression tablet, 60 x 50 mm (2.5 x 2") & parchment description
Replica of a distinctive agate seal from southern Iraq, dated to the Kassite Dynasty around 1500 BC. The seal portrays a mythic scene almost as old as time itself, from the earliest days of ancient Sumeria.
Ea-Enki, God of the Earth, seated upon a throne which symbolizes the creatures of the earth, is approached by the court astrologer who warns him of changes in the stars and the coming Flood. A crescent moon and symbols of stars and planets fill the space between them. The hero Sun God Marduk-Shamash stands wth sword in hand, ready to do battle with the errant stellar forces. To make the point, he gestures at an over-sized star.
The name of the seal's owner, presumably a Kassite ruler, is inscribed in Babylonian cuneiform.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The Kassites stepped into the power vacuum after the fall of the First Dynasty of Babylon in the 15th century BC but mystery still surrounds their origins. They assimilated the language and culture of Babylonia, restored the temples and provided stable rule for 500 years until the Elamites brought their dynasty to an end in 1155 BC. Kassite seals reflect their strong connection with Mesopotamian tradition.
Postage:
Ground: $5 Australian dollars - Australia New Zealand
Air: $5.50 USD - Asia, India, Pacific, Japan
Air: $6.50 USD - USA & Canada
Air: $7.50 USD - Europe, Scandinavia, Britain, Germany, Italy, Greece, Spain, Mediterranean, Africa, South America & most other locations.
Combined postage when required postal insurance or more expensive registered mail available on request.
Local Australian ground postage 2-3 days
Airmail Europe, USA & Canada 7-14 days
