Cylindrical Seal In Steatite With Foliage Decoration, Jemdet Nasr Period (3100-2900 Bc)

Magnificent black steatite cylinder seal dating from the Predynastic period of Jemdet Nasr (3100-2900 BCE) in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Engraved with foliage, it is remarkably well preserved and features two suspension holes on the top and an engraved cross on the underside. Used as a signature, property mark, or for sealing documents, it was often worn as jewelry or an amulet, suspended from its suspension holes. This seal is an exceptionally fine and very old example.

Provenance: formerly in a Florida collection, most recently sold at auction in a New York gallery.