31st-29th century BC. A black stone cylinder seal depicting two registers of pigtailed women with pots or baskets between; the women depicted crouching or seated on platforms or mats, engaged in work; drilled for suspension; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. See Collon, D., First Impressions: Cylinder Seals in the Ancient Near East, London, British Museum Publications, 1987. 25.8 grams, 23mm (1"). Property of a West Sussex, UK, gentleman; formerly from the collection of a deceased London gentleman, acquired in the 1970s-1990s. The scene on this seal is typical of the Jemdet-Nasr style, which appears on seals from regions across the Near East during the late Uruk and the Jemdet-Nasr periods (c. 3100-2900 BC.) The tasks of women on seals such as this are often interpreted as having a temple context – perhaps illustrating preparations for rituals. The significance of the circular objects between the women is not certain – similar objects appear alongside the 'pigtailed women' in many Jemdet-Nasr style seals, and possibly represent pots or vessels being made by the women.