2nd millennium BC. A waisted cylindrical black stone cylinder seal, bearing intaglio frieze composed of a standing human figure (bull-man) battling a winged lion and two facing, robed figures, one holding a small animal, a second animal at the feet of the other, the symbols of the sun and moon over their heads, heads and small creatures in the field, pierced for suspension; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. Cf. similar images on seals in Weber, O., Altorientalische Siegelbilder, Leipzig, 1920, no.15,17,110. 16.5 grams, 27mm (1"). From a Swiss collection, 1970-1990s. Many similar seals present the same motif, the battle of Gilgamesh or of his friend, the bullman Enkindu, with lion or wild animal. This is the basic scheme of the Gilgamesh images, and the representation is almost completely identical in all cases. The beast being fought is usually a winged lion with bull horns, possibly the monster Humbaba. Condition Report Very fine condition.