A large and finely incised Mesopotamian black hardstone seal plaque. The piece is rectangular in profile and carved on both sides. The obverse depicts a standing bearded male figure, possibly a ruler or a deity, in an ankle-length robe and a tall conical hat. A large feline, possibly a lion, is depicted advancing forward along the longer side of the obverse. A prominent rib divides the two figures. The reverse shows two stylised incised birds one perched, the other in flight. The piece is pierced vertically for mounting or suspension. There is a diagonal linear marking across the middle of the piece. 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 cm x L 6.45.5cm x H 1.5cm Provenance: Ex S.M. Collection, 1970s-1990s