A fine Western Asiatic bronze cylinder seal, featuring deep incised grooves in horizontal chevron patterns. The seal is topped by a tall handle, perforated at the top for suspension, and decorated with four bronze granules around the tip. The base is flat and unworked. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as earthy encrustations, chips and surface pitting. Some green patina also features on the surface. Seals were often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and even 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 have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals were the predominant types in the ancient Near East. Measurements: (circa) W 1.6cm x H 4.2cm Provenance: From an important collection formed before 1988, London and Geneva. N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**