Iron Age, Ammonite Stone Stamp seal depicting a prancing bull with young. A lunar crescent and floral motifs in the exergue.

ITEM: Stamp seal depicting a prancing bull with young. A lunar crescent and floral motifs in the exergue. Likely a depiction of Baal-Milkom.
MATERIAL: Stone
CULTURE: Iron Age, Ammonite
PERIOD: 7th Century B.C
DIMENSIONS: 16 mm x 12 mm
CONDITION: Good condition
PROVENANCE: Ex Museum Exhibiton of the Arbeitsgruppe für Biblische Archäologie, Germany (Deaccession)

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This seal offers a unique insight into the religious and cultural practices of the Ammonites, an ancient Semitic people who inhabited the region of modern-day Jordan. The central motif of a prancing bull and its young is highly significant, as the bull was often associated with strength, fertility, and divine power in various ancient Near Eastern cultures. In the context of the Ammonite seal, this image is likely symbolic of the chief deity Baal-Milkom, a god of war, fertility, and agriculture, commonly revered in the ancient Levant.

The presence of the lunar crescent in the composition is also noteworthy, as lunar symbolism was prevalent in the religious iconography of many ancient civilizations. In the Near East, the moon was often associated with divinity, timekeeping, and agricultural cycles. The crescent could be a reference to the moon god, possibly linked with the Ammonite deity or perhaps serving as an emblem of cosmic order. The lunar crescent in combination with the bull suggests a connection between earthly fertility and divine, celestial forces. This duality is not uncommon in ancient Near Eastern religious symbolism, where deities representing natural elements often had their cosmic counterparts.

Floral motifs in the exergue, or lower section of the seal, further reinforce the theme of fertility and natural abundance. Plants and flowers were frequently used in iconography to symbolize life, renewal, and the cycle of growth. In the case of the Ammonite seal, these motifs likely serve to enhance the image of Baal-Milkom’s influence over nature and fertility. It is possible that the floral designs were also intended to invoke protection, prosperity, and divine blessings, which were central concerns in the everyday lives of the Ammonites, particularly for those involved in agriculture or seeking favor from their deities.

This stamp seal, likely used as a personal or administrative tool, would have been an important object for the Ammonite elite or priests, signifying both personal authority and religious devotion. Seals like this were commonly employed for impressing marks on clay or wax to authenticate documents, gifts, or ceremonial items. The detailed iconography not only reflects the Ammonites' religious beliefs but also their artistic skills and the cultural interactions with neighboring societies such as the Israelites, Phoenicians, and other Levantine peoples.