A finely engraved Western Asiatic stamp seal formed from a dark brown hardstone. The seal is hemispherical in shape with a flat oval face at the base. The face has been carved with an image of a quadruped with horns, possibly a bull, depicted recumbent, facing left. The anatomical features have been carefully engraved, including its narrow bent legs, curving body with a hump, and short tail. The dome of the seal is perforated for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as a chip on the curved area of the seal. 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 2.1cm x H 1.3cm Provenance:Ex major SM, London, Collection 1970-2010. 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.**