A finely engraved Old Babylonian demi-sphere hardstone stamp seal. It bears a clearly incised image of a bird, most probably a cockerel. The depiction is stylised but very detailed with a distinct trefoil comb, wattles, and three-toed feet. The seal bears a perforation for suspension. The domed obverse is chipped especially around the suspension hole. The impression is for reference only. 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. Mesopotamia has been regarded as the cradle of ancient glyphic arts, with the earliest cylinder seals proven to have been firstly executed during the Bronze Age, circa 4th Millennium BC. Each following period in ancient Mesopotamian history contributed in developing styles and techniques of glyphic arts. Zoomorphic, mythical creatures and religious scenes are one of the most favoured decorative repertoires applied on cylinder seals of the period. Measurements: H 1.8cm x L 2.2cm x W1.3cm Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.