Cylinder Seal with Two Heroes and a Tree

Description Mass-produced seals made of soft, ceramic-like materials that could be glazed in bright colors were introduced during the Mitannian period. These seals have less complex compositions, emphasizing repetitive patterns. This one shows facing males holding a stylized tree. To the side, winged griffins appear above reclining horned animals. The griffins, mythical creatures portrayed in the art of Greece, the Levant, and Egypt, reflect the international environment of the Near East during this period.

Conservation

Date	Description	Narrative
6/04/1968	Treatment	other
5/24/1978	Treatment	other
7/01/2001	Treatment	cleaned; other

Provenance Henry Walters, New York [date and mode of acquisition unknown]; Sadie Jones (Mrs. Henry Walters), New York, 1931, by inheritance; Mrs. Henry Walters Sale, Joseph Brummer, New York, 1942; Walters Art Museum, 1942, by purchase.

Credit Museum purchase [formerly part of the Walters Collection], 1942