A Bactrian biconvex amuletic seal made from an attractive red hardstone featuring an engraved decoration of a zoomorphic figure on both sides. On one side, the standing quadruped, likely a caprid figure, is depicted with its head turned to look behind over its shoulder, with foliage decorations of figural short lines in the background. On the other side, a horned quadruped, possibly an ibex or a stag is either reclining of standing with its narrow legs slightly bent. The figures have been depicted in a highly stylistic manner, with short linear incisions detailing their fur. The amulet is perforated for suspension. Minor encrustations and signs of wear, such as slight scratches and chips to the surface. Seals in antiquity were often made of stone, however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and occasionally sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership. As such, they were instrumental in legal transactions and in the protection of goods against theft. Seal amulets with stylised animals or fantasised zoomorphic figural have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, though stamp seals and cylinder seals are predominant types in the ancient Near East. Measurements: L 2.1cm x W 1.8cm Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.