A fine Mesopotamian cylinder seal carved from a vivid orange carnelian. The seal is engraved with the image of a winged horse-like creature, depicted in action with a front foreleg raised as if against two smaller beasts, situated horizontally. The body is enriched by a short tail and a small head. Trees and further foliage are delicately rendered behind the horse. The seal is perforated longitudinally for suspension. Some earthy encrustations are visible to the surface. This seal comes with a professionally baked, modern impression. 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 (seal): L 1.6cm x W 0.7cm Measurements (impression): L 2.7cm x W 1.9cm Provenance: Ex London, UK, collection, before 1988.