r V- l , ii • * 4 :M - V«. ■ ..... CYLINDERS AND OTHER ANCIENT ORIENTAL SEALS CYLIN DERS AND OTHER. ANCIENT ORIENTAL SEALS IN THE LIBRARY OF J. PIERPONT MORGAN CATALOGUED BY WILLIAM HAYES WARD JV ew Yorh^, PRIVATELY PRINTED M C M I X Copyright , /pop, Frederic Fairchild Sherman No. 36 CONTENTS CONTENTS INTRODUCTION The Cylinder Seals.12 Cone Seals.20 BABYLONIAN CYLINDERS Archaic Cylinders. 25 The Victorious Sun-god .30 Gilgamesh and Eabani.31 The Seated Goddess Bau.40 The Seated God.42 The Rising Sun Shamash.46 The Sun-god and the Bird-man.49 The Winged Gate Over a Bull.50 The God With the Serpent Body.52 The Goddess With Child.52 Nergal and Allat.53 The Goddess Ishtar .54 Marduk.55 Ea.56 Adad.56 Martu.58 Aa-Shala . . . . ..60 ZlRBANIT.6l The God With the Crook.62 Ningishzida .63 The Kassite Style.64 Thick Marble Cylinders.67 Elamite Cylinders.70 CONTENTS ASSYRIAN CYLINDERS Doubtful Assyrian Cylinders.71 The Older Assyrian Style.72 Bel and the Dragon. ' .75 The Tree of Life.77 The Assyrian Adad.80 A Seated Deity.81 CYPRIOTE CYLINDERS.87 SYRO-HITTITE CYLINDERS The Egyptian Influence.89 Syro-Hittite Cylinders of Babylonian Type .... 93 A Seated Goddess.• . . 99 The Hittite Supreme God.100 The Storm-god Teshub.104 The Nude Goddess Ishkhara.106 The Bull-Altar.109 The Winged Disk With Rays.111 Hittite Cylinders Wrought With the Drill . . .112 SABEAN CYLINDERS.115 PHOENICIAN INSCRIPTIONS.116 PERSIAN CYLINDERS.117 Wild Animals.118 SCARABOIDS.120 ASSYRIAN CONE SEALS.121 SASSANIAN SEALS.127 INTRODUCTION i ■ \ . « • INTRODUCTION V T H E collection herewith figured contains selected examples of the seals used in the East to designate the ownership of property, or, more usually to identify the writer or the witness of a written document, from the beginning of civilization until a period of five or six hundred years after the Christian Era. It includes nearly three hundred cylinder seals, selected from a much larger number, valued for their antiquity, or more generally for the nature of the mythologic or other designs figured upon them, or for their material or other peculiarity. Some are fine examples of ancient design and engraving, while others, although they may be crude in art and worn or corroded, yet give a clue to the development or meaning of some motive, and are therefore of value in the study of the earliest mythology. Care has been taken to collect but a few representative examples of the more common designs, although the effort to take them all as they are found would have been of value to show the comparative prevalence of certain designs and the popular worship of the several gods. Of the so called Assyrian cone seals not a few of which are offered for sale by dealers in antiquities, only a few, and those such as are of special value for the engraving on them or for their material, are in this collection, about two dozen in all. They are of less importance than the cylinder seals, as they are of a later period, beginning with the Persian rule; and the designs upon them follow almost exactly those upon the later Assyrian cylinders. But they have a real value in the history of II seals, and are at times extremely attractive for their choice material and excellent engraving. There follows a small collection of what are called the Sassanian seals, whose period falls within the early centuries of the Christian Era. These introduce some fresh designs, and are of a quite separate style of art, but they are of value historically, and they have their peculiar shape as seals, and even develop into the seal ring, of which this collection has good examples. The Cylinder Seals T HE cylinder seal, as the witness of personal proprietorship, goes back to the earliest period of history known to us as we pass out of the geologic period which possessed no writing by which history could be recorded and transmitted. Indeed, the fact that the earliest cylinders have no writing, or only doubtful hieroglyphics, suggests that the use of such seals antedates the discovery of writing of any sort. We find the cylinder seal in use from the earliest historical period in both the valley of the Nile and in that of the lower Tigris and Euphrates. While soon supplanted by the scarab in Egypt it continued to be the usual type of seal in Babylonia, Assyria, and Persia until the sixth cen¬ tury b. c., and had only less vogue in the Hittite and Syrian region. The cylinder shape was chosen to fit the material on which writing was done, namely, clay. When a tablet moulded of adhesive clay had been inscribed, it was easy to roll a cylinder over it, and leave the design on the tablet. Inasmuch as the earlier tablets were usually somewhat convex on the face, it was natural to have the cylinder often somewhat concave to fit it as rolled over it. It has been suggested that the most primitive seals were the short joints of reeds. They are often of the shape and size of such joints, and it may be that one of them was rudely cut with a design to indicate the owner’s personality. But if so none have been preserved, and the earliest are of shell or of a soft stone, usually serpentine. For the shell cylinders the compact core of a conch shell from the Persian Gulf was taken. It is reasonably hard, can be well 12 engraved, and as preserved would sometimes be taken for ivory or mar¬ ble. But it is very apt to be corroded, and well preserved specimens are rare. The serpentine is either a gray-green or a compact fine grained black variety, which is quite different from the greenish black soft serpentine used for seals in the Assyrian and neighboring regions. It is much to be desired that we knew whence the lighter green and black serpentines came, whether from Elam to the East or from Arabia to the West. Neither of these materials, shell and serpentine, required any special tools for cutting; but, when at a very early period, from before the time of the Elder Sargon, or 3000 b. c., the silicious stones came into use, such as jasper or chalcedony, it would seem that the cutting tool must have been tipped with a flake of corundum. Diamond could hardly have been known. All the work was with the free hand, no evidence appearing of the use of a revolving tool until about 1500 b. c. From a very early period lapis lazuli was a much valued material for cylinders, and was brought from the hills of Elam. After learning to cut the harder stones there was much search for choice material, and carnelian, agate, blue chalcedony, or saphirine, and rarely jade are among the stones preferred at different periods or regions. We have no knowledge how it happened that the cylinder came to be common in an extremely early period to both Egypt and Babylonia. Some scholars believe that the earliest founders of the Egyptian state came from Babylonia and brought the cylinder with them. Others insist that the Egyptian civilization is much older than the Babylonian. As the clay tablet was not in common use for writing in Egypt, we may presume that the cylinder was less likely to originate there, and it never had much development. In the common coast and valley region of the Euphrates, the Tigris and the Karun rivers there existed a common civilization in the earliest times; and the cylinder was in use probably from a period antedating the invention of anything more than a rude form of hieroglyphic writing. It is still impossible to fix with any accuracy this earlier chronology. The present tendency is to reduce its B 13 antiquity; and it may be that the approximate dates assigned in this Catalogue to the earlier cylinders should be reduced by several centuries. The art of these earliest seals was very rude. The human figures were either nude or clad in a short fringed skirt. The faces showed in profile an extremely prominent nose, so as to be almost bird-like, and a large round eye. The animal figures were drawn with more vigor and accu¬ racy. Among the more common designs was that of a deity seated, or two seated on a stool facing each other, and drinking through a tube from a large vase on the ground. We have examples in figs. 1-6. Another early design shows a huge eagle seizing with its talons an animal of some sort on either side, such as a lion or bull. Back to nearly the earliest period we find that most favorite of all the designs is the contest with wild beasts of Gilgamesh and his friend, the composite Eabani, half man and half bull, or rather bison of Elam. They fight one a bison and the other a lion; but a little later in the time of the Elder Sargon, the water buffalo of the Babylonian swamps takes the place of the bison of the hill country of Elam. Another early design is that which shows the god or goddess seated or standing and the worshipper bringing a goat in his arms for sacrifice. The imaginative element in early religion is best shown in those early seals on which the Sun-god either comes out of the gates of the morning and steps on the mountains of the East, or in which the morning Sun fights the demons of the cloud and storm that infest the eastern hills. All these designs show a certain freedom of composition which was lost at a later period. Gradually the figures of the gods became conven¬ tionalized and several gods took the place of scenes in which a single one appeared with his worshippers or in conflict with foes. Occasionally, from the time of the Elder Sargon, and along the period of the dynas¬ ties of Ur, the name of the owner of the seal was engraved, and, in the case of local kings, the designation of his titles and city. From the time of Gudea and the later dynasties of Ur, a little before 2000 b. c., we have a more jejune art. The materials have also changed, and hematite is the usual one chosen. It is hard enough, but not as hard as the silicious stones, and its grain allows the finest engraving. Many of these cylinders are excellently cut, but the designs lack originality. These cylinders are much smaller than those of the archaic period. It was also usual, or frequent, to have engraved on the cylinder the name of the owner, and that of his father and the god whom he worshipped. With the Kassite dynasty there came another style of cylinder. It again approached the size of those of the earlier period, but its surface was not concave, and its length remained, like that of the immediately preceding period, about double the diameter, while the earlier ones had a length less than double the diameter. But with the Kassite period there also appeared a change in the engraving. The use of the revolving tool was introduced occasionally, which had been in use in Egypt. The inscription was greatly developed, so as to occupy most of the surface and consisted mostly of prayers to the gods. There was usually but one figure of a god or worshipper, or at most two figures, and several new symbols appeared, especially the encased Greek cross, which was the emblem of the Sun, and perhaps the origin of the later swastika. After the Kassite period the next peculiarly Babylonian type is that of the last Empire, that of Nebuchadnezzar, merging into the Persian rule. Here the Kassite shape and size were maintained, but the design had changed, so as to imitate more the emblems of gods on the bound¬ ary stones. Usually there is the seat of the god, and over it his emblem, with the owner of the seal standing before it in the attitude of worship. This brings us to the more characteristic Persian cylinders, which avoided the bulk of the larger Babylonian style, and reverted to that of the middle period. But there came to be a tendency for convex instead of concave surfaces. Sometimes the seal was almost barrel-shaped, or when it remained cylindrical the ends were often convex. The designs became very simple and with little variation, a stout god with a crown fighting one or two winged or wingless lions. It may be that the Persian dualism is responsible for this mythologic monotony. The Persian trowsers characterize the human figures. When the Persian design varies 15 / from this motive it is to give us a hunting-scene, or possibly a war-scene, in which much more liberty appears; but we may suspect that these represent some of the outlying provinces of the Persian Empire. The northern Empire of Assyria had its own type of cylinders. The material of the earliest ones, that we have are of the comparatively soft serpentine, black with a brown or greenish shade. While often badly worn they are never corroded by chemical action of the soil. In a later period of the flourishing empire, choicer and harder stones were chosen, mainly of the varieties of chalcedony. The earlier seals seldom have on them any inscription. It would seem as if writing were not a frequent accomplishment. It is difficult to fix their date, but we may presume it to be from 2000 to 1000 or 900 b. c., that is, the period before King Assurnazirbal. The cylinders are large, in length perhaps a little more than double the diameter, and the design frequently shows a god stand¬ ing with a bow in his hand, and a worshipper before him. Occasionally we have a god seated before a table, and an attendant waving a fan behind him. In these earlier cylinders we have the beginning of the representation of the Tree of Life, often called the Sacred Tree, which was a favorite design in the period of the later Assyrian Empire. Origi¬ nally it was a date-palm tree, but it soon took all the conventional and ornamental forms which the artist could contrive. It corresponded to the classical Fortuna, and its fruit represented the gift of long life and other blessings. The owner of the seal stands near it, and a winged figure stands on one or both sides of the tree, one hand raised plucking the fruit, and the other holding the basket in which it is gathered for the worshipper. The winged figures which may take various forms, human or animal, like the Hebrew cherubim or seraphim, are guardians as well as givers of the fruit of this tree of life, which corresponds to the tree of life in the story of the Garden of Eden. In the present collection fig. 160 is one of the very rare cases in which we see the guardian figure actually breaking off the fruit of life from the tree. Another of the characteristic designs of this Assyrian period is the conflict between the spirits of order and disorder, the conflict of dual- 16 ism which we have mentioned as usual in the later Persian period, but which in Assyria showed much more freedom and variety. This design seems to be a composite of that so frequent in early Babylonian art, of Gilgamesh lighting wild beasts, and of the conquest of Marduk over Tiamat. But the battle between Marduk and Tiamat is never repre¬ sented in the early Babylonian art. Marduk was the god of cosmic order, as Tiamat was the promoter of confusion and chaos. They thus anticipated the later Persian Ahuramazda and Ahriman. It was this idea of cosmic conflict which was figured in the Assyrian designs, but with some confusion with the fights of Gilgamesh against wild beasts. The god often takes on two or four wings, and usually carries as his weapon the curved scimitar of Marduk. His antagonist is often the original composite dragon or griffin, but may be anything else from a bull to a serpent. One of them in this collection (fig. 156) was long the only one known and has often been figured as showing that the representation of Satan as a serpent, which we find in the story of the temptation of Adam and Eve, was not unknown to the people of the East. Winckler figures this seal on the cover of one of his later brochures, but credits it to the British Museum. Among the emblems that began to appear in this period the most important is the winged disk, representing the Assyrian supreme deity, Ashur, the name the same as that of Assyria itself. Yet it reached Assyria from the West, being a modification of the Egyptian representation of the Sun-god Ra. But the Egyptian asps were dropped and other modifi¬ cations were made, especially in the streamers which hang down from under each wing, and toward which the worshipper lifted his hand. They seem to represent the connection of the god with his worship¬ pers, just as the solar disk worshipped by the Egyptian Heretic King, Ikhnaton, had lines ending in hands radiating from it. Other emblems were the seven stars, or dots, which represented the seven Igigi, or good spirits, perhaps also the Pleiades; and the rhomb, or lozenge, which has been usually supposed to be the female emblem, but which may be a simpler form of the frequent Egyptian eye. n In the Assyrian art we have thus, as might be expected, a strong Western influence. Indeed, in the middle Babylonian period it was not lacking, for two or three deities were distinctly Western. This influ¬ ence came not directly from Phoenicia, and still less from Egypt, but from the countries between the Euphrates and Syria that belonged to the Hittite Empire which ruled with more or less authority from 2000 till 700 b. c. While it is yet impossible to disentangle the elements that entered into the Hittite, or more generally, the Syro-Hittite art, or to distinguish what is originally Hittite, we can judge that its art was profoundly influenced by that of the Ionian sea coasts of the earliest and later Mycenasan periods, and probably to a less degree by that of Egypt by way of Phoenicia. The Egyptians were not such sea-faring men nor such merchantmen as these Greek colonists of the coast of Asia Minor and Phoenicia with whom the civilization of the Hittites, the Mitanni, and the neighboring states came into close relation; and indeed there is late reason to believe that some of these were themselves Aryan like the inhabitants of the Greek coasts. It is not easy to classify the cylinders of what we may call the Syro- Hittite region, although the later ones differed considerably through Assyrian or Persian influence from the earlier ones. In the more defi¬ nitely Hittite type, this collection is extremely rich. They give no sign of Assyrian influence, but markedly of both early Babylonian and Egyptian, with other motives that are peculiar to themselves. They are usually small, of hematite or other iron ore, and are finely and carefully cut, with close designs making them often very attractive. They prob¬ ably go back to a period as early as the twelfth Egyptian dynasty, and it may be 2000 b. c. ; and they appear till they merge into the more purely Syrian or Phoenician forms. Rarely the predominant influence is Egyptian, and it may be conjectured that they belonged to Egyptian rulers, perhaps of the period when the eighteenth or nineteenth dynasty was in control, or to an earlier period. A number of these are said to have come from the Hauran, east of the Jordan, where Egyptian influence was early established. 18 \ Especially characteristic of these Syro-Hittite cylinders, which very rarely have Hittite, and less rarely Babylonian, inscriptions, are the figures of three principal deities, two gods and a goddess. We may imagine them to be father and mother and son, but there is no evidence in the art to that effect. One of these gods was introduced into the Babylonian pantheon as the God of the West, and the other under the name of Adad, and very likely also the goddess. One is a dignified, stately god, in a rather long robe, and usually with no weapon. He is the Martu of Babylonia, but we are not certain what was his Hittite name. The other god has usually a very short robe, scarcely more than a loin-cloth, and is dressed for war. He sometimes stands on the moun¬ tain, as in figs. 229 and 237, and carries in one hand a weapon over his head, and in the other hand a club, bow, ax, or other weapon, and a cord by which he leads a bull with a ring in his nose. So he appears in figs. 97 and 98. In Babylonian art he carried the thunderbolt. He is known under various names, such as Ramman, Adad, Teshub, Resheph, and is the god of lightning, thunder, rain and storm, and also the god of war. The thunderbolt or other weapons carried by him represent the lightning, and the bull bellowing the thunder. The god¬ dess is usually nearly nude, with the garment drawn back to expose her person. She also is related to the bull, or cow, on which she stands. Examples are seen in figs. 243-252. In the remarkable cylinder shown in fig. 229 the three deities all appear. Of the gods Adad was the most worshipped; and under the name Addu, he enters into more names of Syrian persons in the Telel-Amarna letters than all other gods com¬ bined. It is not unlikely that the monotheistic worship of Yahweh originated in that of Addu. Yahweh was equally the god of lightning, thunder, storm and war, and was worshipped in the desert and later in the northern kingdom of Israel under the form of a bull. Another peculiar element in Syro-Hittite art is the guilloche or rope-pattern, sometimes a braided pattern. This may have its first source in the scrolls of Egyptian ornament, but was probably directly derived from the Mediterranean coasts. It is a marked characteristic of Myce- nasan ornament, and probably was developed out of gold wire-work Very frequently a portion of these cylinders are in two or three registers, of which the middle one may be the guilloche, and the other two, lions, sphinxes, vultures or other animals, and often a procession of walking figures, two, three or four. The above are the main classes of cylinders, but some others rarely appear. A very few cylinders have Sabean inscriptions. Scarce half a dozen are known, and two of them, figs. 264 and 270, are in this collec¬ tion. A class of Elamite cylinders are not well understood, and are very rude and are supposed to be archaic. Of these there are one or two here (figs. 138 and 139). Several in this collection are Egyptian, and others are of uncertain provenance. It was in the later period of the Akhasmenian Empire of Persia that the cylinder was largely replaced by the cone seal. The use of the clay tablet as a writing material was* beginning to give way to that of other materials under the Western influence; and the conquest of Alexander and the Greek control must have made parchment to be preferred as much more portable. The cylinder, with the tablet, scarce lasted, unless it were in outlying districts, into the Seleucid period. Perhaps as early as 600 b. c. the cylinder seal began to be replaced by the so-called Assyrian cone seal which remained in use several hun¬ dred years. The origin of this shape is not clear, but it is likely that the influence which produced it came from the West. In Egypt the cylinder was in use in the time of the earlier dynasties; but the employment of papyrus for writing, instead of clay, made the cylinder inconvenient, and it was replaced by the scarab, and the use of the scarab extended into Syria and Phoenicia. But the scarab was reduced to the scaraboid, a simple oval which eliminated all the joints of the beetle. It may be that the Assyrian cone seal grew out of the scaraboid; but it received a more convenient form for attachment, and allowed a larger perforation for the string or wire. These seals are by no means all true cones, as in about half of them the section is octagonal; or, more exactly, that of a parallelogram with 20 the angles truncated, and all eight sides somewhat convex. Those with the oval section may be more or less flattened at the sides, and occasion¬ ally the section is nearly circular. The face is almost without exception more or less convex. The perforation is near the small end of the cone, and in one case in this collection we have the silver wire from which it was hung still preserved. The material is most frequently chalcedony, but may be of other stone, very rarely of carnelian or lapis lazuli; and in this collection there is a unique example of emerald green glass. A material particularly sought for the choicer examples is the blue chalcedony, called saphirine, which came into use for cone seals and for cylinders only in the Persian period. The blue color, though attractive, is never deep, and it grades down to a bluish chalcedony. Of all designs the most frequent by far is that which gives us the worshipper dressed in a long garment with hand raised before the col¬ umnar altars, called in the Bible “groves,” a mistranslation of the Hebrew word ashera , by which these objects are now designated. They are a more or less simple column, each having its own form to designate a particular god whose symbol it is. They may rise from a horizontal line, but in the more developed form they rise from what represents the seat of the god, called shubatu , in Babylonian. In three cases out of four in the more common seals of cheap workmanship, there are two asheras, those of Marduk and Nebo. Marduk’s emblem is a vertical column with a spear-head at the top; but where the engraving is with the revolving wheel or disk, the spear-head degenerates into a round hole, made with a burr, a little below the end of the pointed column. The ashera of Nebo consists of two vertical lines that may be attached together in the middle. Much more rarely we have the ashera of Nusku, a god of fire, whose emblem is a lamp. This ashera consists of a lamp raised on a column or candlestick close-set with short cross lines or circles. Two good examples are in this collection. Besides this standard design of a worshipper before asheras, we find a variety of less frequent or special designs, such as the tree of life (sacred 21 / tree) guarded by mythologic figures, the scorpion-man, which appears on the so-called boundary stones as a Sagittarius; the goat-fish, or cap¬ ricorn of Ea, the man-fish with the gushing streams, said to represent Oannes, and the winged disk. Very rarely the name of the owner of the seal or his god is given also, as in one example in this collection. Quite rarely we find not only the face of the seal engraved, but also one or both of the sides. While no attempt has been made to gather for this collection the engraved scaraboids which followed the Egyptian scarabs, or the later Sassanian seals which replaced the Assyrian cone seals, a few charac¬ teristic examples are figured and described at the end of this Catalogue. For the translation of Babylonian inscriptions I am indebted to the courtesy of Prof. Ira M. Price, of the University of Chicago. 22 CATALOGUE - 4 • * • % ■ >s; V BABYLONIAN CYLINDERS Archaic MONG the designs that come from the earliest Babylonian period / \ we may count those that give us a single seated deity, or two mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. „ The heraldic Eagle of Lagash seizes with its talons an ibex on each side; a simple tree. 28 Two ibexes, or wild goats, seem to be of different species judging from the horns, and the tail of the eagle is exaggerated. This is a good example of an archaic design. Perhaps 3000 b. c., or earlier. No. 12 . Shelly and blackened. In good condition, except where a portion from the helix has chipped off. Lengthy 29 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. The Eagle of Lagash seizes on each side an animal which may be an antelope—somewhat rudely wrought. About 3500 b. c. No. 13 . 'Babylonian cylinder, of an early period, of black serpentine, or slaty stone. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, 28 mm.; diam¬ eter of end, 16 mm. The lion-headed Eagle of Lagash seizes on each side by the rump an ibex on one knee. An inscription in two columns of six lines, which reads: galu-su PA-AL GREAT MAN OF THE GOD .... (=MAGICIAN) KING OF HAL- KA-DI SCRIBE THY SERVANT This is an uncommonly fine cylinder, of interest also from its inscrip¬ tion. Of about 3000-2500 b. c. The following miscellaneous cylinders are of the archaic Babylonian period. No. 14, which has a seated deity to which a worshipper is driving a victim may be compared with Nos. 1-5 ; and the chariot in No. 15 is to be compared with that in No. 1. No. 14 . Primitive Babylonian cylinder of shell. Wrought with the point, but much worn. Length, j>j> mm.; diameter of end, IJ mm. A deity, sex uncertain, sits before what appears to be a columnar altar of brick. There approaches a figure in a short garment, driving a ram, probably, for apparent sacrifice. He is followed by a second similar archaic figure, with the “bird-like” head with protruding nose. Above the ram a crescent under a star. Over the two standing figures an uncertain object, like a horizontal branch. This very archaic design seems to show a primitive form of sacrifice and altar. In the later cylinders the animal for sacrifice was a goat held in the arms. Perhaps 3500 to 3000 b. c. d 29 No. 15 . Archaic cylinder, Babylonian or, perhaps, early Syrian of a black slaty stone. Very deeply and rudely cut, good condition. Length, 28 mm.; diameter of end , 16 mm. A four-wheeled chariot, with high square front part, apparently solid wheels, and two loops on top of the high front. The charioteer wears a very short garment, and holds the reins attached to the mouth of the single visible horse, or ass. Before it a lion, or a rampant uncertain animal under a scorpion, and an uncertain object. The shape of the chariot resembles that on certain cylinders that are of Syrian origin. Date not certain, but probably more than 2500 b. c. No. 16 . Babylonian cylinder of arragonite, deeply wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length,3 J mm.; diameter of end, 23 mm. A long-legged figure, on one knee, seems to kick with the other leg. In the angle of the lifted foot, and of the other knee, is a vase. The arms end in an uncertain object. In the remaining portion, in two registers, there are above, a small seated figure with hands raised, two crossed animals and a small scorpion. Two larger scorpions below. This is an archaic cylinder, perhaps 3000 b. c. No. 17 . Babylonian cylinder of an archaic period, of shell. Rudely wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 41mm.; diameter ofend, 23mm. Two crossed lions attack two stags: a rude profile man, with back to the animals faces a space for an inscription over two lines below which is an ibex. Two rude stars. Perhaps 3500-3000 b. c. The Victorious Sun-god The next number, 1 8, is a single example of a design of a very early period, of which very few are known, which here has two scenes, but of which the larger examples show three scenes, in the last of which the god pushes his enemy against a mountain. It represents the sun-god Nergal or Ninib, at sunrise driving away the spirits of clouds which obscure the eastern mountains. In this case the god first attacks the enemy, and then seizes him by the beard. 30 PLATE III - j J PLATE IV No. 18 . An early Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. A bearded god in a short garment seizes by the beard a similar figure carrying a weapon. Between them a small figure in a short garment with hand lifted, apparently a worshipper. Two other nude figures apparently fighting, have their hands raised to seize each the other. One of them has in his hand a very peculiar object, bent and with a handle in the middle, possibly a weapon. The figure seized by the beard represents the clouds of morning driven away and conquered by the sun-god. Probably 3500 to 3000 b.c. Gilgamesh and Eabani The following series of cylinders represent the conflict of Gilgamesh, the Babylonian Nimrod, with wild beasts, usually a lion, or a bison of the Elamite forests, or the water buffalo of Babylonia, occasionally with other wild beasts. He may be accompanied by his companion, Eabani, half man and half bull, who also fights the wild beasts, usually a lion. Gilgamesh may also fight the human-headed divine bull sent to punish him for his coldness towards Ishtar, or sometimes he fights Eabani, or even his own double. This design in its ruder forms goes back to nearly the earliest period, and was not much copied in the Middle Babylonian period. The oldest may be of white marble, shell or lapis lazuli, and are marked by the archaic bird-like human heads and the short fringed garment. No. 19 . Archaic Babylonian cylinder, of white marble. Rudely wrought with the point—top battered. Length, 44 mm.; diameter of end, 30 mm. A star, over a crescent, over a scorpion. Two lions crossed attack two ibexes; one of which is attacked by a nude human figure in profile with hand raised; the human figure attacked behind by a lion; a lizard, or crocodile. This cylinder seems to be of extreme antiquity, perhaps as early as 3500 b.c. The lizard, or crocodile, is extremely rare in oriental art. The fact of the existence of the crocodile in both Egypt and India indicates that in early times it was found in Babylonia. * 3 * No. 20 . Archaic cylinder of white marble. Wrought with the pointy and considerably worn. Lengthy 32 mm.; diameter of end, 2J mm. Gilgamesh, with the bird-like head and the archaic garment to the knees, attacks a reversed ibex, or antelope, lifted by the hind leg: Eabani attacks with a spear a fleeing lion. This cylinder shows how very early the myth of Gilgamesh and Eabani arose. Perhaps 3500 b. c. No. 21 . Archaic Babylonian cylindery of white marble. Wrought with the point and halfof the surfacefairly preserved; the retnainder battered. Lengthy 41 mm.; diameter of end , 24 mm. A bull rampant is seized by a lion on one side and a leopard on the other. It is rare to find representations of the leopard, and only on the earlier cylinders. Probably 3500 b. c. No. 22 . Archaic Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the pointy and in good condition. Lengthy 47 mm.; diameter of end , 8.5 mm. This cylinder is in two registers separated by two lines. In the upper register Gilgamesh, in profile, has his foot on a reversed lion’s head; an ibex (or bull) is attacked by a lion, and the two are attacked on each side by a hero; a star connected by a line with a triangle represents the oldest hieroglyph of the sun-god. In the lower register Gilgamesh, in profile, attacks a bull attacked by a lion; Eabani attacks an ibex attacked by a lion. This is an extremely slender cylinder, of a type in use at a very early Perhaps 3500 b. c. No. 23 . An archaic Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli , mixed with a white material. Wrought with the pointy and in fair condition. Lengthy j8 mm.; diameter of end , 10 mm. There are two registers separated by two lines. In the upper Gilga¬ mesh in rude profile seizes two ibexes, each of which is seized by a lion. Two dots and a bird between the lions’ tails. The lower register has two antelopes, or ibexes, and three deep dots and uncertain lines. Probably 3500-3000 b.c. 32 No. 24 . Early Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point and in fair condition. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. Two lions crossed, each attack an antelope, one of which is attacked behind by Eabani, in front view. There is a vase and the “libra” in an unusual form, a ball in the middle of the rod; also a crescent, over a small winged dragon moving downward toward a bull. The meaning of what is called the “libra” is quite unknown, and the shape in this early cylinder seems to indicate the original form, as the usually accompanying vase is here of the earliest shape. The attack which the winged dragon makes on the bull is very interesting. Perhaps 3000 b. c. No. 25 . Early Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point and in fair condition. Length, 26 mm.; diameter of end , 13 mm. A naked hero seizes two antelopes, each of which is attacked behind by a lion; a second naked man behind one of the lions. A tree with three branches each side, each branch turned up vertically at the end. This is a somewhat rude cylinder of an early type, perhaps 3000 b. c. No. 26 . A Babylonian cylinder, probably, but peculiar in type. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, icy mm.; diameter of end, g mm. Border line at the bottom; a lion rampant, apparently horned; behind him a beardless figure in a short garment seems to lift both hands to seize the lion, but does not reach him. Between them a small kneeling figure with hand raised, and a possible vase (Aquarius). On the other side of the lion a figure like Eabani also reaches both hands towards the lion; between them an animal (gazelle?) seated, with a vertical bent horn. A large Babylonian caduceus with the vase prominent between the two serpents; a “libra.” We have here an admirable example of the caduceus. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 27 . Babylonian cylinder of yellowish marble. Rudely and deeply wrought with the point. In good condition. Length, 27 mm.; diameter of end, 23 mm. A man in a short robe seizes with one hand a bull, with the other an ibex. A lion attacks the ibex, and is attacked behind by a second man; both men are in profile. E 33 This is shaped like one of those thick cylinders (Nos. 129 to 137) whose provenance is uncertain, as well as their age, but the engraving here suggests a very early period, 3500 to 3000 b. c. No. 28. Archaic Babylonian cylinder of white marble. Rudely wrought with the pointy in good condition. Length, 23 mm.; diameter of end , ig mm. Nude Gilgamesh in profile fights an ibex; a lion attacks Eabani, who attacks an ibex. Gilgamesh has a feathered cap, from which a long tassel hangs to the ground. This seems to be very old, perhaps 3500 b. c. No. 29. Archaic Babylonian cylinder of white marble. Wrought with the pointy half of it in good condition , the remainder lost. Lengthy 38 mm.; diameter of endy 20 mm. A nude Gilgamesh, in profile, of a primitive type of face, and with a head-dress of stiff feathers, or possibly tufts of hair, bent at the end, attacks a bull which has a humanized face, and which is crossed, appar¬ ently, with a lion. Behind, a small rampant ibex in an upper register; the remainder is lost. This is an extremely archaic cylinder, perhaps 3500 b. c. No. 30. An early Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the pointy and in good condition. Length , 14.5 mm.; diameter of endy gmm. Gilgamesh, in profile, nude, with radiating plumes, attacks two rampant ibexes, one of which is attacked by a lion. Eabani attacks an ibex attacked by a lion. The figures are very archaic. The small cylinder requires the figures to be much crowded. Perhaps as early as 3500 b. c. No. 31. An archaic Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuliy apparently burnt and many stnall cracks on surface. Lengthy 2g mm.; diameter of endy 13 mm. Wrought with the point and in fair condition, but not wholly distinct. Gilgamesh in full face, nude, fights a human-headed bull. Gilga¬ mesh, repeated, attacks one of two lions that attack a deer. This cylinder seems to go back of the Sargon period into the archaic period, and it illustrates once more how early the commerce in lapis lazuli was carried on. Probably as much as 3000 b. c., or earlier. 34 27 PLATE V No. 32 . Primitive Babylonian cylinder, of shell, engraved with the point, but much worn. Length, jy mm.; diameter of end, 21 mm. A bull between two animals, of which one is uncertain, the other a lion crossed by a second lion attacked by a nude, profile Gilgamesh with one hand lifted high to strike. Behind him two small animals, apparently crossed over two lions. Probably 3500 to 3000 b. c. No. 33 . Avery archaic Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Length, 12 mm.; diameter of end, 6 mm. Wrought with the point. In good condition. A mountain goat, reversed, is attacked on each side by a lion. A figure with face in bird-like profile attacks one lion with a spear. He wears a short and very archaic garment. This very archaic cylinder may be of a period 3500 or 3000 b. c. The very prominent nose and the fringed dress are characteristic of the earliest period. No. 34 . An early Babylonian cylinder, of white opaque calcined chalcedony. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, 21 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. A lion on each side attacks a reversed ibex. A scorpion, with the body straightened out. This is an unusually fine example of this early type. Like the last it shows the reversed ibex, but the figure of the hunter is omitted. Probably 3000 b. c. No. 35 . An archaic Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the point, and well preserved, except a small portion that is battered. Length, 2 4 nun.; diameter of end, 10 mm. The upper part of this unusual cylinder is occupied by two serpents twined so as to make a sort of rope pattern. Under them a gate, or shrine. A seated beardless figure, with bison’s horns, is drinking through a reed from a vase, on the ground before him. A nude figure, with a feathered cap, attacks a lion from behind with a javelin and a throw- stick. The lion seems to be biting the head of a man, whose body is all lost except a foot. A crescent and a circle of round dots. A second reed rises from the vase, and another line crosses it, but its meaning is not clear. This extremely archaic cylinder, with the human heads so rudely drawn, is of great interest for the ornamental arrangement of the ser¬ pents, which seems to anticipate the guilloche. Perhaps 3500 b. c. The two serpents are unique. No. 36 . Archaic Babylonian cylinder of shelly or marble, wrought with the point and in fair condition. Length, 16 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Eabani in profile attacks a reversed lion. Gilgamesh in profile attacks what seems to be an antlered deer. Two figures crossed, of which one appears to be Eabani, and the other Gilgamesh, fighting. Ibex rampant over a rampant animal. This seems to be a very old cylinder, with the human figures in the most archaic style, perhaps 3500 b. c. The following cylinders, also representing Gilgamesh, or Eabani, or both, are of about the time of the Elder Sargon, and not quite as archaic as those already classified (excepting No. 26). No. 37 . Early Babylonian cylinder of white marble. Wrought with the point and in excellent condition. Length, IQ mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Gilgamesh, in a very short garment, with profile face turned back¬ ward, attacks on one side an ibex, and on the other a deer; each attacked by a lion. An upright serpent, and the character for Shamash, a line with a star above, and a rhomb below. This cylinder is interesting for the symbol of the sun-god, which is in the very earliest form. Perhaps 3000 b. c. No. 38 . Early Babylonian cylinder of basalt, with many small white dots. Wrought with the point and worn. Length, JO mm.; diameter of end, 20 mm. Two figures of Gilgamesh fighting the human-headed bull, which is in profile, a very unusual style—Eabani fighting a lion. This is an unusual cylinder, both from its material, unique so far as I remember, and the fact that the human-headed bulls are in profile. About 3000 b. c. No. 39 . An early Babylonian cylinder of arragonite. Wrought with the point and in fair condition, indeed unusually good condition for this stone, which is soft and usually badly worn. Length, JO mm.; diameter of end, 20 mm. Gilgamesh in profile, in short garment, between two lions, seizes each of them. Eabani seizes animal much like a giraffe. Between them what is perhaps a sword. What may be an illegible inscription over worn figure of a small Gilgamesh, with short garment, who seizes two lions. Perhaps 3000 b.c. No. 40 . Rarly Babylonian cylinder , of green serpentine, slightly concave. Lengthy 2J mm.; diameter of end , IJ mm. Wrought with the point. In fair condition. The design represents Gilgamesh, nude, in profile, attacking a bull; and Eabani in front view, attacking a lion. There are two lines of inscrip¬ tion over an ibex. The archaic inscription reads: UR-SHAG SCRIBE This cylinder is of an early period, but not the earliest, apparently before the time of Sargon I. Perhaps 3000 b. c. It has a crack, and the head of the bull is lost. No. 41 . Rarly Babylonian cylinder of black stone. Wrought with the point , and in good condition. Length , 24 mm.; diameter of end , 14 mm. Gilgamesh in front view attacks a buffalo, and Eabani in front view attacks a lion. One line of inscription which reads: GU (?)-LIL-PA-AT. About 3000 b. c. One may question the genuineness of the inscription. No. 42 . Rarly Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine , wrought with the point and in good condition. Lengthy 32 mm.; diameter of end y 18 mm. Slightly concave. Gilgamesh in profile, in a single short garment, and a low flat cap, attacks on each side an ibex, or mountain goat, one of which is attacked by a lion; a scorpion; Eabani in front view attacks a lion; a star over two lines, under which a small Gilgamesh in profile seizes the tail of the lion. The admirable condition of this cylinder makes it of special attrac¬ tiveness. Probably about 3000 b. c. f 37 % No. 43 . An early Babylonian cylinder, of red jasper. Engraved with the point, but has in recent times, apparently, been fraudulently recut in part for the purpose ofaccentuating the lines. Length,JJ mm.; diameter of end, 24 7nm. Gilgamesh in profile attacks a bull, while Eabani attacks a lion. There are three lines of a recut inscription. Eabani and the lion have not been touched. The figure of Gilgamesh has been sophisticated, as also the inscription. Probably 3500 b. c. No. 44 . Early Babylonian cylinder of chalcedony calcined white by fire. Wrought with the point and in excellent condition. Length, J/?nm.; diameter of end, 2$ ?nm. Surface concave. Eabani in front view fights a lion. Repeated symmetrically. A small lion over an Eagle of Lagash with spread wings. A bird under the space of an erased inscription. Evidently this excellent cylinder passed to another owner, who simply erased his predecessor’s name. About 3000 b. c. • The next cylinder. No. 45, belongs to this same class, but does not contain the figure of Gilgamesh, which may have been erased. There follow four in which the hero appears, but they are specially charac¬ terized by the presence of the so-called dragon, which in one case Gilgamesh is fighting, and which in three other cases is attacking a man or an animal. Yet another cylinder, No. 48, is perhaps from some outlying district. No. 45 . Early Babylonian cylinder, of a black slaty stone. Wrought with the point and in good condition, except that nearly one-third of the surface has been chipped off. Length, 27 mm.; diameter of end, 15 mm. A rampant lion attacks a rampant bull from behind. A lion walking apparently follows an animal of which only the tail and hind leg are preserved. Above the lion are two lions’ heads, and between the two lions’ backs a scorpion. The lions’ heads are peculiar to this cylinder—while the walking lion is unusual. Probably 3000 to 2500 b. c. No. 46 . A Babylonian cylinder, apparently, but of a soft serpentine, which is more usually Assyrian. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, JO mm.; diameter of end, 16 mm. 3 * A winged dragon, attacked by Gilgamesh and Eabani. A slender crescent, a bird like a crane, and two lines of early inscription. This is probably genuine, although the winged dragon and the material suggest doubt. But we have an instance on a tablet of the impression of a cylinder with a design much like this. The inscription reads: SHARRU-ILU-IDDIN SERVANT OF LU-DUGGA Probably of the Gudea period, or 2500 b. c. No. 47 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite, engraved with the point, and in good condition. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end , 10 mm. A bull is attacked by a rampant lion and lion-headed dragon. Cres¬ cent over a small dancing monkey (?). Perhaps 2500 to 2000 b. c. No. 48 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point and in excellent condition. Length, 23mm.; diameter of end, 11mm. Slightly concave. Gilgamesh in front view, nude except for a girdle, has his foot on a reversed bull’s head. Again Gilgamesh lifts a reversed lion. A lion-headed dragon seizes a lion which seems to sit on a mountain. This admirably preserved cylinder may be of a period about 2 5 o o b . c . No. 49 . A Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, 26 mm.; diameter of end, 13mm. A lion-headed dragon bites the head of a naked man, who kneels on a bull. Gilgamesh kneeling on a lion lifts a lion over his tripod. Eabani fights a lion. This interesting cylinder may be 2300-2000 b. c. No. 50 . Babylonian (?) cylinder of soft gray serpentine. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, 24 mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. Gilgamesh in profile, with a short garment attacks a lion with a javelin. A worshipper in a long garment, with hand raised, faces a four-line inscription. Perhaps this is not genuine. Apparently about 1000 b. c. 39 The Seated Goddess Bau Among the Babylonian deities on the earlier cylinders is a seated goddess, who appears to be Bau, wife of Ningirshu. She was later iden¬ tified with Gula and her consort with Ninib. She is dressed in a long robe,often flounced. Her hair sometimes falls in a long tress behind her back, and is sometimes bound in a loop behind her head. She raises her hand in token of benediction on the worshippers who approach her. In No. 51 an altar is seen before her after a very early type. In No. 52 the eagle of Lagash appears again; and in No. 53 we have the Babylonian caduceus, of two serpents at the summit of a standard. No. 58 is a royal cylinder of Gudea. No. 51 . Ancient Babylonian cylinder of shell. Wrought with the point and in good condition. Length, 32 mm.; diameter of end, 18 mm. A goddess seated, in a long flounced garment, her hand extended under a crescent, wears a long tress behind. Three standing figures in long simple dress approach with hands folded. The first wears the horned hat; the others, who are worshippers, are bare-headed. Probably 3000 to 2500 b. c. No. 52 . An early Babylonian cylmder of green serpentine. Wrought with the point, somewhat worn but yet distinct. Length,33 mm.; diameter of end, IQ ?nm. A goddess seated in a long fringed garment and a two-horned hat, her hand extended to two approaching figures, of which the first, the attendant goddess, leads the bearded worshipper by the hand. Six lines of inscription which read: GUDEA, ABBA PATESI OF SCRIBE SHIRPURLA THY SERVANT This is a royal cylinder of Gudea, and of about 2400 b. c: No. 53 . Babylonian cylinder of early period , ofa soft gray serpentine. Wrought with the wheel, and in good condition. Length, 26 mm.; diameter of end, 14 mm. A flounced goddess with hand extended, to whom a divine attendant leads a beardless worshipper, probably a woman. Before the goddess is 40 a square altar with a re-entrant step, or shelf, and above is the crescent. This style of altar is of an early period. Probably about 3000 b. c. No. 54 . Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 26 mm.; diameter, 14mm. Surface very slightly concave. Seated goddess Bau in long flounced garment, with hand extended. A goddess like Aa leads a beardless worshipper by the hand. The heraldic eagle of Lagash, over a scorpion; a crescent, a vase, and “libra.” This may be 2500 to 2000 b. c. No. 55 . Babylonian cylinder of green serpentine. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 24 mm.; diameter of end, 14mm. A seated beardless deity holds a vase. Before the goddess a crescent, over a bent object. Two figures approach, of which the first holds the hands to the breast, and the second lifts the hand in worship. A large Babylonian caduceus, consisting of a standard, with two serpents’ necks and heads at the top. Probably from 2500 to 2000 b. c. No. 56 . Babylonian cylinder of a gray stone, peculiar for its shape, which shows a heavy rim, or border, at each end. Wrought with the point, and badly worn. Length, 32 mm.; diameter, through the heavy border, 18 mm. A seated deity to whom a worshipper approaches with hands to his breast; followed by Aa. Two lines of illegible filiary inscription. Behind the deity a dancing figure over a quadruped. The details cannot wholly be made out, as the cylinder is so much worn. It is valuable as illustrating the peculiar shape which imitates the metal setting of other cylinders. The impression of such a ridge as this cylinder shows, sometimes appears deeply plowed into a tablet on which it was impressed. Compare No. 66. The deity may be a god, but is here placed with those that give us the figure of Bau. Perhaps 2500 b. c. No. SI. A Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, in fair condition. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, gmm. Two seated female figures face each other. Each has the hand stretched out over a small vase. Above them is the Eagle of Lagash with spread wings. Behind them is a small nude figure. One of the seated figures has a two-horned tall hat; the other has no head-dress. This cylinder is not finely drawn, but it seems to belong to the Gudea period, perhaps 2300 b. c. No. 58 . A Syrian cylinder of hematite, said to have been found at Safed, south-east from Kaifa, in Syria. Wrought rather rudely with the point, and in good preservation. Length, ig mm.; diameter of end, Iimm. A seated beardless, flounced deity holds by the hand a kneeling figure. Over the latter is a star in a crescent. These follow the god Ramman. Behind the seated goddess a short-robed figure, with hand raised, back to the goddess, as if following the figure of Ramman, but separated from it, within which is a scratched trident, a hand, and two horizontal lines. Behind the goddess’ head are four deep dots. This cylinder may be of 1000 b. c., or earlier. Cylinders of an early Babylonian type may be found as far as the Mediterranean coast, as Babylonia overran Syria at a period as early as that of Sargon the Elder, 3000 b. c., or less. ' The Seated God Examples of the worship of the seated god go back to the early period of the use of the shell cylinder, and continue through the Middle Babylonian period. It is difficult always to identify the deity although usually the later ones represent the sun-god Shamash, while the earliest ones may represent Ningirshu, a principal god of Nippur. In cases where three large dots (meaning thirty) are behind the god we may presume it to be the moon-god Sin. The present collection contains very fine examples. No. 60 is an extraordinary cylinder and shows the god with the streams which belong to a sun-god quite as much as to Ea. He here is to be recognized as Shamash by the fact that the culprit bird-man is brought to him for judgment. No. 61 is a fine royal cylinder, unique for this king. No. 59 . Early Babylonian cylinder of shell. Length, 40 mm.; diameter of end, 24. mm. Wrought with the point, and in unusually good condition for shell, although a small piece near the top is lost. A bearded flounced seated deity with a two-horned head-dress lifts his hand in blessing to three approaching figures, each with his hand 42 raised in worship, and similarly clothed, except that the first has a simple unflounced garment. A fourth figure with hands crossed to his breast stands behind the god. Apparently the unflounced figure is a worshipper, and the others are attendant subordinate deities. Probably from 3500 to 3000 b. c. No. 60 . Early Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point y and in excellent condition. Lengthy JO mm.; diameter of end, iqmm. Slightly concave. A seated flounced god, probably Shamash, in a high head-dress, and with stream from his lap, hand extended. Before him the crescent above. A bifrons (a human figure with two faces), with hand extended, in a long simple garment. Then two approaching figures, one of whom carries, hanging from a staff over his shoulders, a bunch of dates; the other is similar, but from the club on his shoulder there hangs down the winged bird-man, strung by the heel. This is a remarkable cylinder, and finely preserved. Usually the captive bird-man is pushed into the presence of the god. This is the only known case in which he thus is carried on a rod from the shoulder. The bifrons turns one face toward the god, and with the other watches those that follow. The two faces are a naive convention to indicate that he is paying attention both before and behind him. Perhaps 2800-2500 b. c. No. 61 . A Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the pointy and in perfect condition. Lengthy 24 mm.; diameter of end y 13 mm. A seated bearded god, probably Sin, the moon-god, holds a vase, above which is the sun in a crescent. A goddess, like Aa, flounced, follows leading the worshipper by the hand. There are eight lines of inscription in six cachets. The inscription reads : AMEL (DINGIR) SAK-KUD DURU-SIR NITAG-SU SERVANT OF ADAR DURU-SIR THY SERVANT 43 (dingir) i-ne (dingir) en-zu LUGAL-LIG-GA LUGAL URU-UNU KI-MA INE-SIN KING-MIGHTY KING OF UR (AND This remarkable cylinder is a royal cylinder of Ine-Sin, King of Ur, of about 2700 b. c. Late evidence seems to bring the dynasty of Ur several centuries later. No. 62 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length , 2J mm.; diameter of end , I5 mm. Slightly concave. Seated bearded deity in a long garment, and with a turban, holds in his hand a vase. Behind the deity three large dots; before him the sun in a crescent, under which is a lion (?) as if crouching before his lap. A bare-headed worshipper, in long garment, with hands folded followed by Aa in her usual attitude with hands raised. Before her is the vase over the “libra.” Then follows a nude figure fighting an ibex. This cylinder belongs to the period of Gudea, perhaps 2300 B. c. The seated god would seem from the three dots, which may mean the number thirty, to be the moon-god Sin. No. 63 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point , and in excellent condition. Length , 24 mm.; diameter of end , 12mm. '•fc. The seated sun-god Shamash in long robe and low round cap, of turban, holding a vase. Above it the sun in a crescent, and a monkey¬ like animal. Before him a worshipper in a long robe, bare-headed, with hands to his breast. Three deep dots, which may indicate thirty , the number of the moon-god Sin. The goddess Aa, with hand raised. Two lines of inscription, which read: ana(dingir)sin-ku-la-shu SERVANT OF MARTU A fine cylinder of about the Gudea period. No. 64 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point , and in excellent condition. Length , 2$ mm.; diameter of end , 14mm. A seated god in long robe and turban holds a vase; above the vase the crescent; before the god a small animal like a monkey, or, more likely a goat. A bare-headed worshipper approaches the god, in a long robe, with hands to his breast. After him follows the goddess Aa with hands raised—before her is the “libra.” There are three lines of filiary inscrip¬ tion, which read: 44 AHUNI SON OF SHAMASH-SHARBI , SERVANT OF SHAMASH An excellent cylinder of the period of Gudea—or from 2500 to 2000 b. c. No. 65 . A Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Excellently wrought with the point , and in good condition. Length , 20 mm.; diameter of end , 10 mm. A seated beardless deity, in a long garment and a turban, holds in his hand a small cup—above his hand a sun in a crescent. There approach two figures, of which the first may be a worshipper with a long garment and hands to the waist; the second the goddess Aa. Then two cuneiform characters reading “Shamash.” Then a figure nude, except for a very short garment, follows the god, resting a short stick, or weapon, on one shoulder, and with the other hand raised. Finally a vase (Aquarius) over “libra.” About 2000 b. c., or earlier. No. 66. Babylonian cylinder of quartz crystal. Length , 22 mm.; diameter of end , 18 mm. In excellent condition. The seated sun-god Shamash holds a shallow vase. Before him stands a worshipper, behind him stands the goddess Aa. The remaining space originally had an inscription, which has been removed by a later owner and replaced by a poorer figure of Ramman. Probably 1500 to 1000 B. c. No. 67 . Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Length , IJmm.; diameter of end y J mm. Wrought with the point. This cylinder has a fragment broken off but not so as to obscure the design or to affect the inscription. The seated god Shamash holds a vase. Before him stands a wor¬ shipper, behind whom stands the goddess Aa, with hands lifted. Before her head is the vase Aquarius, and below the “libra.” Two lines of inscription read: EA DAMKINA Carefully engraved, and in fair preservation, although somewhat worn. Probably 2000-2500 b. c. 45 No. 68. A Babylonian cylinder , of quartz crystal. Wrought with the pointy and much worn. The shape is peculiar , as it is thickened at the two ends y to simulate the mounting of the cylinder by a cap on the ends. Lengthy JO mm. The ends are too battered to measure, but the thickened part near the ends has a dimension of ij mm. A worshipper is led by the hand to a seated god. There are five lines of somewhat rudely cut and nearly effaced inscription. This cylinder is remarkable for the thickened ends. This feature is very unusual, but is found in some early cylinders, and the mark of the thickened end is to be seen in the impression on some tablets of the Gudea period. Compare No. 56. No. 69 . A Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point. In fair condition except where a quarter of the surface is abraded. Lengthy 2 J mm.; diameter of end t 12 mm. A seated flounced, beardless deity; before him the sun in a crescent. There approach two figures, of which the first is the worshipper with hands crossed; the other probably corresponds to the goddess Shala or Aa. The remaining portion may have been engraved by a later owner. It shows the libra (or vase); an upright asp, a naked profile Gilgamesh, with three deep dots each side. Perhaps from 2300 to 1500 b. c. The Rising Sun Shamash This peculiarly imaginative design is of very early origin, and illustrates how completely a pictorial composition may become con¬ ventionalized. In the earlier and more developed designs the sun-god, fully armed, with rays from his shoulders, comes out from the gates of morning, opened to him by porters, and steps on the mountains of the east. His weapon is the primitive notched sword, made of flakes of flint set in wood. In the later art all this is reduced to the god holding his weapon, and with one foot lifted on a low stool. The following cylinders show both the primitive design and the later modifications. No. 70 . An early Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the pointy but partly recut by a modern owner , as it was somewhat worn. Lengthy JQ mm.; diameter of end y 2 J mm. 46 Between two gates, each held by a porter, the sun-god Shamash rises by stepping on one of two mountains. He has rays from his shoulders, and his notched sword in his hand. Between the two porters a figure with a club. All the figures have two-horned hats, and wear a long simple garment. The partial recutting does not obscure the design. This design is primitive, and the cylinder is probably as early as 3000 b. c. No. 71. Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought rather coarsely with the point. Lengthy i6m?n.; diameter of end y 10 mm. The sun-god Shamash, with rays from his shoulders, and carrying his notched sword, lifts his foot on a mountain; in his other hand a club rests on the ground. A porter opens the gates of morning. This is an unusually small example of this very interesting and early design. Probably about 3000 b. c. No. 72. Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point. In good con¬ dition, except that the inscription has been erased. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 14 mm. Slightly concave. The sun-god, with notched weapon and foot on a low stool, the conventional mountain. A bearded worshipper carries a goat; the vase over “libra;” the goddess Aa; space for three lines of inscription. This is a characteristic design of the period and may be 2000 to 1500 b. c. No. 73. Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, IJ mm.; diameter of end, J.ypmm. Sun-god Shamash standing, with notched weapon, high head-dress and foot on a low projection conventionally representing a mountain. Before him a worshipper in long simple garment, with one hand raised. A third figure stands behind, in long simple dress and hand across the waist; apparently a form of the goddess Aa. Two lines of an inscription, which read: SHAMASH AA. No. 74. A Babylonian cylinder. Hematite. Length, 24mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. Wrought with the point. 47 It represents Shamash standing with foot on a reduced mountain and with his notched weapon in his hand. Facing him is the god Martu, holding a short weapon. Between them is a small figure of a worshipper carrying in one hand a basket and in the other a slender vase. Below him is a small monkey-like animal. Behind Martu is a human head and neck, and below it a crook. Then follows the goddess Aa, consort of Shamash, in a long fringed garment and with both hands raised. Behind her two small figures of Eabani hold between them the Babylonian caduceus, a column with two serpents’ heads and a vase between the two heads. Above, a lion attacks a kneeling figure, behind which is a second standing figure with arms raised. This cylinder is excellently engraved and in fine preservation. Probably about 1500 b. c. No. 75. A cylinder of hematite , engraved with the point , clear where not battered; fragment broken off of the lower end. Length , 23 mm.; diameter of end , J 2 m?n. The sun-god Shamash, with foot raised; the god Martu and the goddess Aa, or Shala. Before her a porcupine (or mouse?), and, below, a small figure partly lost in the fracture. Shamash appears to carry two fishes by a cord, instead of his usual weapon. Above is a seated monkey. The remainder of the design is in two registers. The upper has two figures, one of Shamash with foot raised, the other uncertain, perhaps the goddess Zirbanit. The lower register has the figures reversed, and shows a lion walking, over a humped ox, and before him a rampant animal. One or two other cases are known where a god carries a string of fish. Perhaps 2000 b. c. No. 76. Babylonian cylinder. Hematite. Finely wrought with the point; in fair condition. Length , 20 mm.; diameter of end, iomm. The sun-god Shamash, with notched weapon, and foot raised on a diminutive mountain, receives a worshipper carrying a goat for offering. Behind the god the worshipper’s naked servant carries in one hand a vase, and in the other a pail or a basket. Behind the worshipper is the thunderbolt emblem of Adad, and under it a small figure of the nude goddess Zirbanit. Then follows the goddess Aa, wife of Shamash, and behind her is a second female figure in flounced dress carrying perhaps a vase. 48 This is a characteristic, well engraved cylinder of the Middle Baby¬ lonian period, of from 2500 to 2000 b. c. No. 77. Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point , and in excellent condition. Lengthy 22 mm.; diameter of end t 11 mm. Worshipper presents a goat to Shamash, who carries a small ring in his hand. There is a nude kneeling figure between a lion and a dragon, which has his mouth open to swallow him. Perhaps 2300-2000 B. c. This might equally have been classed with Nos. 46-49. The Sun-god and The Bird-man One of the most distinctive designations of the sun-god Shamash was that of Daianu f or Judge of gods and men. Sometimes in the earlier cylinders we have the figure of the bird-man led forcibly before the god. Usually the god is seated, but the following is one of the rare cases in which he is standing with streams supposed to come from a vase in his hands, and with his foot on a mountain. We have already had the unique cylinder. No. 60, in which the bird-man is brought before the seated sun-god Shamash hanging from a staff on a god’s shoulder. No. 78. Early Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the point and in good condition. In the hole are remnants of the copper core. Lengthy 16 mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. The sun-god Shamash, in an unusually short garment, with foot on a high stool representing a mountain; streams from his shoulders, and fish by the stream behind him; before him flounced Aa with but one hand raised; a deity with a two-horned head-dress, a long garment and the serpent weapon over the shoulder, pushes before him the felon bird- man, bringing him for judgment by Shamash, who is known as the “judge of gods and men.” Behind them a worshipper brings a goat as offering. I know only one other very early cylinder in which it is the standing Shamash with streams instead of the sitting Shamash who receives the bird-man. Perhaps 3000 b. c. H 49 The Winged Gate Over a Bull The present collection contains the unusual number of seven cylin¬ ders which present the rare design of the winged gate over the couchant bull. In the more complete scenes a deity, apparently a goddess, sits on one side of the gate, and a worshipper kneels on the other side, and each grasps a stream, or cord, which falls from under each wing of the gate. No. 79 seems to be the oldest of all, and the gate takes a very peculiar triangular form. In two of these cylinders, Nos. 84 and 85, we have a very exceptional variation. The bull is walking, and in No. 85 there is no seated deity. These cylinders are apt to be much worn. It is impossible to explain the meaning of the winged gate, which occurs also on some Hittite cylinders. No. 79. Archaic Babylonian cylinder of shelly very much corroded , so that the design is not easily made out. Wrought with the point. Lengthy 38mm.; diameter of the end, 22 mm. In place of the winged gate over the crouching bull, we have a large acute angle with wings, point downward, and between the lines at the top a succession of lines like those that form the wings. On one side a seated flounced deity, on the other a kneeling figure, with hands reached forward to seize a stream proceeding from the side of the triangle. This cylinder is valuable for its age, and especially for the variation from the gate found on all other such cylinders. What the gate with wings means, or the stream, is quite enigmatical. Probably 3500 b. c. No. 80. Archaic Babylonian cylinder of shelly very much corroded. Wrought with the pointy and in portions lost by the corrosion. Lengthy3 2 mm.; diameter of endy 16 mm. A winged gate over a crouched bull, the wings each like three simple branches. A worshipper standing on each side, with one hand extended to the top of the wing, the other reaching forward; a third worshipper behind them. The whole very difficult to make out. This cylinder, although so nearly ruined, is yet valuable as showing the extreme antiquity of this rare design, with its enigmatical wings of the gate. Perhaps 3500 b. c. 50 PLATE IX I PLATE X . - No. 81 . Early Babylonian cylinder of shell. Wrought with the point, and much worn. Length jgmm.; diameter of end, 24mm. A winged gate over a recumbent bull. On one side a seated deity extends the hand. On the other side a nude kneeling figure reaches out his hand. A crescent and a star. The shell as material indicates the extreme antiquity of this design which was so early lost, as it never appears except in the earlier art. Perhaps 3500 to 3000 b.c. No. 82 . Early Babylonian cylinder of white marble. Wrought with the point, but much worn, so that the heads of the two figures are lost. Length, 31 mm.; diameter of end, IJ mm. A winged gate over a bull; on one side a seated goddess; on the other a kneeling bearded figure. A stream flows from under the wing of the gate and passes over the head of the bull and is seized by the goddess. Perhaps 3500 to 3000 b.c. No. 83 . An early Babylonian cylinder of green serpentine, Engraved with the point, and in good condition. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. A flounced goddess seated holding a vase before a bull lying down, above which is a winged gate, the upper part of which, above the wings, has two cross lines. There are two crescents, one over the goddess’ head and the other under one wing. Probably 3000-2500 b.c. No. 84 . Archaic Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point, and somewhat worn. Length, 23 mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. A winged gate over a walking animal (not as usual with the bull crouched down), on one side a nude figure with a bird-like human head seems to crawl away, on one knee; or, more likely, to await the attack of a running nude figure bent far forward to meet him. A smaller animal follows the animal under the gate, which latter seems to be attached by a rope about its neck to an object in a boat, towards which the lower part of a man, lacking the head, seems to be reaching. The meaning of this very ancient cylinder is difficult to make out. It is quite unique. Probably 3500 b. c. No. 85 . Early Babylonian cylinder of white marble. Wrought with the point, in bad condition, one-third lost. Length, 23 mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. 51 A gate with short angular wings, over a standing bull. Before the bull the skirt is left of an apparently seated goddess. Perhaps another seated figure the other side of the bull. The bull here is standing, an unusual attitude. Perhaps 3500 b. c. The God with the Serpent Body Among the rarer designs of the older Babylonian period is that of the seated god with serpent body. There may be a gate behind him, and a worshipper led by attendant deities approaches, perhaps presenting an offering. It is not certain who the deity is, perhaps Ea, perhaps Nin- gishzida, who, in a single known cylinder in this collection, has serpents rising from his shoulders (fig. 118). No. 86 . An early Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the pointy and in good condition. Lengthy 2gmm.; diameter of end, 1$ mm. Surface concave. A bearded god in sitting attitude, but the lower part of the body a coil of a serpent, holds a vase in his hand. Behind him a gate, and before him a goddess with looped hair leads a worshipper by the hand. It is uncertain who this deity is, perhaps Ea. Probably 3000 b.c. No. 87 . An early Babylonian cylinder, of hard black serpentine, concave. Wrought with the point. Length, 32 mm.; diameter, igmm. A seated bearded god, the lower part of his body a serpent. He wears a low, irregular cap, and his hand is lifted. Above his hand is a very much flattened crescent. Before him approach three figures, bearded, in a long simple garment, and with hand lifted. There are two lines of interspersed characters. This cylinder appears to have been sophisti¬ cated by sharpening some of the lines. Probably 3000 B. c. The Goddess with Child Only five cylinders are known which present this design of the goddess holding a child on her knees; one of these is in this collection. It is not at all certain that this is meant to represent a mother and child, 52 for we know of no such goddess referred to in the texts. It is quite as likely that the owner of this seal is represented as nursed and fondled by the goddess. The goddess would probably be Bau. No. 88 . Early Babylonian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the pointy and considerably worn. Lengthy Jimm.; diameter of end, 18mm. Slightly concave on the surface. A seated flounced deity, in a two-horned head-dress, holding a vase, with a clothed child on her lap. Above are a crescent and a star. Before her a beardless figure in a long garment, with one hand raised, and the other over a tall vase. The god Shamash, with his foot raised very high over a conventional mountain. Two lines of inscription which read: GAL-RU-UB-ILU SON OF LANI Fortunately this cylinder is not so much worn that we cannot make out the design, the goddess and the child. There being in Babylonian religion no special mother and child like Isis and Horus, it is probable that this represents the goddess as dandling the owner of the seal. The four other cylinders known with this design represent the child as nude, and it is unique that the child is clothed. About 3000 b. c. Nergal and Allat The following cylinder is one of only two known which contain the scene of the god Nergal attacking the goddess Allat in Hades. This example adds to the other the representation of the god as surrounded with rays, thus making him a sun-god, which agrees with the character of Nergal, god of the noonday and summer heat, and so of destruction, disease and war. No. 89 . Babylonian. Green serpentine. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. Wrought with the point. A flounced goddess is seated under a tree which is bent down to cover her. A god with rays from his shoulders grasps the tree by the branches to attack the goddess. A worshipper stands with hand lifted. This cylinder has one of the rarest designs, as only one other is known, that in the Louvre. The latter has a more developed design, as it also represents the god standing before the goddess under the tree. 1 53 The goddess is probably Allat, who rules the underworld. The god is Nergal who attacks her in the underworld, but is placated and marries her. The present cylinder has rays from the shoulder of the god, showing him to be a sun-god, such as Nergal was. Probably of about 3000 b. c. The Goddess Ishtar In the very archaic forms of the goddess Nana, Ishtar, or Venus, as seen in No. 90, a sheaf of alternate clubs and serpent weapons rises from each shoulder. Such examples are very few indeed, and No. 90, although broken, is one of the best of these. The later conventional form shows a quiver of arrows from each shoulder. Frequently the goddess, in the Middle period, stands on one or two lions, and holds the serpent scimitar of Marduk and the Babylonian caduceus, as in No. 91. 4 No. 90 . A very early Babylonian cylinder of white limestone , the lower half lost. Length of fragment, 21 mm.; but the entire cylinder would have been as much as 30 to 33 mm. long; diameter of end, 23 mm. Well cut with the point, and the remaining portion worn but distinct. Head, shoulders and arm of the goddess Ishtar, in a two-horned hat, and three alternate weapons, clubs and scimitar, from each shoulder. A goddess with a long tress behind and in a two-horned hat, with head turned back, leads a worshipper carrying a goat as sacrifice. There were two broad lines of illegible inscription. This fragment is of special value as it is one of the very few cylinders which give us this early form of the goddess thus armed. The weapons are quite distinct. Perhaps 3000 b. c. No. 91 . Babylonian cylinder of nephrite [jade). Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition except for a crack which scarcely disfigures it. Length, 32 mm.; diameter of end, igmm. The goddess Ishtar in front view, in a long garment, one foot advanced and resting on a lion, or dragon; she wears the high hat, has arrows rising above her shoulders from the quivers on her back, lifts in one hand the Babylonian caduceus, with its two serpents, and holds downward in the other the serpent scimitar. Facing her is Martu 54 PLATE XI . % V r : * •*■ . PLATE Xll JfvV - < , t - . ■ k in his short garment, and holding his rod, or wand in one hand, the other hanging beside him. The goddess Shala (or Aa) follows with hands raised. There are four lines of inscription which read: IMGUR-SIN PASHISHU OF BELIT. SON OF ILU-NI-BA-AB-DU. SERVANT OF BAU. This admirably engraved cylinder is peculiar for its material, which was probably brought from Asia Minor. Probably 2000 to 1500 b. c. Mar duk Marduk, better known as Merodach, or Bel Merodach, or as Bel with the Dragon, was the tutelary god of Babylon,and with the suprem¬ acy of that city became the chief of the pantheon. He is less often represented in art than Shamash, and is to be recognized by the com¬ posite animal on which he stands, and by his sickle-shaped scimitar. The two appear in the following cylinder. No. 93 maybe referred to Marduk, or possibly to the earlier Bel Illil whom Marduk replaced. He carries Marduk’s scimitar, but he leads a lion by the nose, and carries in his hand the Babylonian caduceus, of two serpents and a vase, sometimes borne by Ishtar. No. 92 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length , 20 mm.; diameter of end , 10 mm. Marduk with scimitar stands on his serpent-headed dragon; behind him a vertical serpent; before him a worshipper, then a star; an upright seated jackal (or monkey), and Aa. Probably 2000- 1500 b. c. No. 93 . A Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point. Length , 23 mm.; diameter of end , 12 mm. In fair condition. The god Marduk, with scimitar and caduceus, has his foot raised like Shamash and resting on a lion led by a cord as Adad leads a bull. A worshipper in a long garment, followed by the goddess Shala. A naked attendant behind the god carries a rod or lance. There appears here to be a confusion between Marduk and Adad and Shamash, as the god has elements of all. Perhaps 2000 to 1500 b. c. 55 No. 94 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, iy mm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. Marduk with his scimitar; a worshipper (or a god) holding a vase from which a stream falls into a vase on the ground; a servant in a short garment, carries a vase and a pail; a tortoise. The tortoise is very seldom represented. The gushing vase, from which a stream falls into another vase, may represent the god Ea. Perhaps 1000 b. c. Ea Ea, one of the first trinity, consisting of Anu, Illil, or Bel, and Ea, was god of the ocean, but is, like the two other gods, seldom represented in art. He carries a vase of water with flowing streams, and stands on a goat-fish, or capricorn. This collection has one characteristic example. No. 95 . Babylonian cylinder of a black slaty stone. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 21 mm.; diameter of end, IJ mm.; surface slightly concave. Flounced god, apparently Ea, on a goat-fish, or capricorn, holds a vase from which a stream falls to the ground, and over which is a fish. The god Marduk holds a scimitar. Before him is a crescent over a “libra;” also a worshipper in a long garment, with one hand raised. Then follows a lion-headed deity lifting a dagger in one hand, and with the other lifting a human figure by the foot; a small monkey-like figure. The figure of the water-god Ea is identified by the goat-fish, the streaming vase, and the fish. The fish takes the place of the usual vase accompanying the “libra.” The lion-headed god may be either Nergal or Ninib. Perhaps 1500 b. c. Ad ad Adad is a western deity taken from the Syro-Hittite people as early as 2000 b. c. He is frequent in Hittite art, and is seen in Nos. 244-249. But the Babylonians, who from a very early period were familiar with the representation of the forked thunderbolt, gave him this weapon instead of the various weapons assigned to him in the Hittite art. As god of thunder as well as lightning, he leads the bellowing bull by a cord attached to a ring in his nose. 5 ^ No. 96 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point and wheel, and infair condition. Length, 20mm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. Slightly concave. Adad with hand over his head, and foot on a bull led by a cord, lifts a trident thunderbolt. A worshipper brings an animal. Shamash holds the Egyptian standard, with three dots each side instead of cross lines. A vase over “libra.” A worshipper. Border line below. Perhaps 1000 b.c. No. 97 . A Babylonian cylinder of Middle period, of hematite. Wrought with the point (except the dots) and in excellent condition. Length, ig mm.; diameter of end, IO mm. The god Adad stands on a bull led by a cord attached to its nose, and holds over his head a weapon, and in his hand the cord and a thunderbolt. Before him stands a worshipper with hand raised. Then follow two deities separated by a vertical line, the first a goddess, like Aa, or Shala, then Martu, then three large deep dots. This cylinder may be of a period from 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 98 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 12mm. Slightly concave. Seated god holds a vase; before him a crescent over a monkey (?) on a stand. A bare-headed figure with hands folded approaches, followed by a second wearing a turban. The god Adad stands on a bull, led by a cord, and before him is a star. This cylinder seems to be more Babylonian than Hittite, and may be 1800-1200 b.c. Said to have come from the Hauran. No. 99 . A Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 23 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. Surface slightly concave. Adad with thunderbolt leads a bull by a cord. Martu and Shala his wife. Four lines of interspersed filiary inscription. It reads: HU-ZA-LUM SON OF ABU(M)MA-GA SERVANT OF ADAR. t Perhaps 2000 to 1500 b.c. 1C 57 No. 100 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, iomm. Adad in the garment and attitude of Shamash, with foot on stool, lifting scimitar of Adad over his head and holding thunderbolt in other hand. A worshipper with hand lifted, a fish (?) and the inscription “Shamash, Aa.” Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 101 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, iQ.y mm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. The god Adad leads a bull by a cord; before him a crutch; a rude straddling figure with hand raised; a straight rod ending in an object like a pomegranate, and a second curved, with an oval top, which might be a serpent. This is a peculiar cylinder, and it may not be Babylonian. Perhaps iooo b. c. Martu The god of the West, Martu, is also known as Ramman, or Adad. But we have also known the god of lightning and storm as Adad, and there may have been confusion with the Babylonians. The deity seen in the following cylinders was introduced from the Syro-Hittite region and is to be seen in Nos. 229-236 among the Hittite deities. No. 102 . A Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, g mm. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. The god Martu and his wife Shala face each other. Between them above, is the sun in the crescent, and below is a crook. There are two lines of inscription, which read: (dingir) en-lil (or bel). (dingir) nin-lil (or belit). Probably of about 2000 b. c. No. 103 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Only a fragment is preserved. Wrought with the point, and what remains is in good condition. Length, 1 $ mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. 87 PLATE XU! Figures of Martu and his wife Shala. Remaining figure or figures lost. There are two lines of inscription and part of a third. It reads: TO NIN-SHAH (by the) faithful priest of anna PA TESI OF ... . Unfortunately the name of the city of which the owner of the seal was the ruler is missing. Probably from 2300 to 2000 b. c. No. 104. Babylonian cylinder of soft serpentine, dyed blue. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition, but probably a part of the inscription ground off. Lengthy 27 mm.; diameter of end, 17 mm. The god Martu and his wife Shala face each other. Between them are two short-skirted figures, one over the other. A line of inscription each side of a line including three heads or masks of the goddess Belit, or Ninkharshag, and a fourth imperfect one. A portion of the cylinder uninscribed has probably been ground off. The inscription reads: NU-ESH-SIN SERVANT OF ZI-IM-ZI .... The row of heads is peculiar and unusual. Date 2000 to 1000 b. c. No. 105. Babylonian cylinder of micaceous iron. Wrought with the point, and in good condition , except where the figure of Shala has been corroded. Lengthy 27mm.; diameter of end y 14 mm. Surface concave. Martu and Shala face each other, with a small monkey-like animal between them and a slender animal above Shala’s head. Three lines of inscription, which read: TO MARTU GREAT LORD MIGHTY LORD. Probably 2000 to 1000 b.c. No. 106. Babylonian cylinder of quartz crystal, with needles of rutile. Wrought with the point; the lower end of the inscription freshly broken, ends battered and worn. Length, 27 mm.; diameter of end , 14mm. Surface slightly concave. 59 Figures of Martu and his wife Shala; between them a crook over a small figure of the goddess Zirbanit; a crescent and three lines of a broken inscription, too fragmentary to admit translation. This cylinder is of value for its material. Quartz with needles of rutile is said to be found at Nedjef, and the Arabs call it the hair of Mohammed and Ali as they trimmed their beards. Perhaps 1500 b. c. No. 10 1 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition. Length, IQ mm.; diameter of end, Qmm. A lion-headed eagle of Lagash, in heraldic form, over a dog. A figure, probably a worshipper, in long simple robe and low cap, has his hand extended towards a god like Martu, in short garment, but with his hands raised. Between them a crescent over a crook. Then Shala with hand raised. The lion-headed eagle is unusual. Perhaps 2000 b. c. 4 A A-S H AL A This goddess appears rather frequently on the cylinders. She wears a long flounced garment, and a long plait of hair falls down close to her back. When she appears with Shamash she is his wife Aa; when with Martu she is his wife Shala. When by herself it is impossible to tell which she is. No. 108. Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, 2J mm.; diameter of end, IJ ?nm. Two figures of Aa-Shala facing each other; between them three lines of filiary inscription, which read: NA-BI-ILI-SHU SON OF . . . . AN-NA-ZA-GA SERVANT OF NIN-SHAKH. This may be 2000 to 1500 b.c. No. 109. Babylonian cylinder of green and red sard. Wrought with the point, and in good condition, except as there is a fracture in the lower end, where it does no damage. Length, 2Qmm.; diameter of end, 15 mm. 60 Two figures of Aa facing three lines of filiary inscription which read: A-NE-ILI-SHU SON OF SIN-TAK-KU-ESH-SHI SERVANT OF THE GOD I-SHUM. About 1500 B.C. No. 110. Babylonian cylinder of gneiss [quartz and hornblende). Wrought with wheel andpoint, and in good condition. Length, 32 mm.; diameter of end , 20 mm. Slightly concave. Two figures of Aa facing each other, on each side of an inscription of three lines, which reads: I-BA- -RUM SON OF BAR-NI-SHU-NU SERVANT OF NERGAL. The material is quite unusual. Perhaps 1000 b.c. No. 111. Babylonian cylinder of -green jasper mottled with white. Wrought with the point ,and in good condition ^except that the inscription has been effaced. Lengthy 32 mm.; diameter of end, IJ mm. Slightly concave. Aa repeated faces an inscription of three lines that has been effaced. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 112. Babylonian cylinder of calcined breccia agate. Wrought with the pointy but the cracking of the burnt stone has caused some flaws. Lengthy 33 mm.; diameter of endy igmm. Surface somewhat concave. Three lines of inscription, and a figure of the goddess Aa on each side of the inscription and facing it; a large vacant space. The inscrip¬ tion reads: TO NERGAL The cylinder is of interest for its unusual material. Zirbanit Zirbanit, wife of Marduk, not infrequently occurs with other deities on the cylinders. A number of examples occur in this collection. She is nude, usually with the face as well as the body in front view, and with L 61 her hands to her breast. It is probable that this goddess, as well as Adad and Martu, was introduced from the West, and was not, under this form, an original Babylonian deity. The same may be true of Marduk. No. 113. Babylonian cylinder ofhematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, gmm. Martu with his hand behind him, a worshipper; Zirbanit. Perhaps 1500-1000 b.c. No. 114. Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, IQ mm.; diameter of end, g mm. A Babylonian caduceus, on one side of which is the nude goddess Zirbanit; and on the other side a standing god with one hand raised; before her a worshipper, with one hand raised. A vase (Aquarius) over the “libra;” a bird over a dancing figure; a crescent and a crook. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b.c. No. 115. Babylonian cylinder of black slaty stone. Wrought with wheel and point, and in good condition. Length, 31 mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. Slightly concave. Coarsely engraved. A border line near the bottom. The nude Zirbanit, with face in profile; also the thunderbolt of Adad over a bull. On one side the figure of Aa with the hands raised; and on the other two similar figures, the nearer one with but one hand raised. Over the thunderbolt a small object which may be a bird; and below a small dancing figure and a “libra.” The goddess in profile follows the Western style. Perhaps 1000 b. c. The God with the Crook It is by no means certain who the deity is that is represented in the following cylinder. The square hat, such as was worn by Hittite god¬ desses, and the beardless face suggest a goddess. The animal on which the foot rests gives us no help. The deity may be Nebo. No. 116. Babylonian, or Syrian, cylinder of hematite. Mostly wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 24.3 mm.; diameter of end, g.3 mm. A god in a high square hat, in a long garment, and with foot raised on a gazelle, lifts a crook. Two figures approach with hand raised; a bird. Border line below. 62 PLATE XVI 1 ■* • *•' This is somewhat rudely engraved; the square hat suggests Syro- Hittite influence. Perhaps 1000 b.c. In the following cylinder there is no god that can be definitely recognized. No. 117 . Babylonian cylinder ofhematite. Wrought with wheel and point, and in good condition. Length, 28 mm.; diameter of end, 14mm. Surface somewhat concave. Three roughly engraved figures, one in a short garment, two in long garments, one of whom has a high hat. Between them two dancing bow- legged figures, one over the other. Three lines of filiary inscription, which read: SERVANT OF BA-NI-GAL-ME-NI Perhaps 1000 b. c. Ningishzida We may fairly assume that this deity, with serpents rising from his shoulders, is Ningishzida, who was the attendant of Ningirshu, and much worshipped by Gudea. In the two other cases known the serpents rise from the shoulders of the god, but in this case the body of the god is entwined by the bodies of the serpents. No other cylinder is known with this deity, although a tablet in the Louvre has the impression of the god with serpents from his shoulders, and the Berlin Museum has a bas-relief which includes him. We are indebted to M. Heuzey for this recognition, as for many other discoveries in Oriental art. A deity such as this may well be the source of the Mithraic figure of a god entwined with serpents, and of a Cretan serpent deity. No. 118 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, 8.5 mm. The god Ningishzida, probably, with serpent rising from each shoulder, and coiled about the body, is in front view, and with hands folded. On one side a fly over a fish, and on the other a thunderbolt. Next to the thunderbolt stands Zirbanit nude, with hands folded, and beyond her is the vase over a “ libra.” On the other side of Ningishzida (>3 Marduk stands with his scimitar, and there faces him a bare-headed worshipper carrying a basket and with one hand raised, over the hand a tortoise. This unique cylinder is perhaps of 2000 b. c. The two following very minute cylinders of lapis lazuli might perhaps have been classified elsewhere, but as the designs are not very distinctive they are placed here. Of these No. 119, probably the smallest engraved cylinder in any collection, would appear to be archaic, if we may judge from the fringed garments, but the presence of the fish suggests a much later period. The other is probably later but of uncertain age. No. 119. A very minute Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the point. Length , 6 mm.; diameter of end y 4 mm. The design shows two human figures, in long skirt, with hand raised—also a fish and perhaps a fly, over an ibex. This and the next are of the very smallest known, and thus very unusual. Perhaps 1000 b.c., or it may be much earlier. No. 120. A minute Babylonian cylinder of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the point. Lengthy g mm.; diameter of end, 6 mm. An attendant deity leads a worshipper to a standing deity who holds a vase. Above the deity is a crescent, and below it is a bird like a crane. Behind the deity is a crescent on a column with two short lines attached below the crescent on each side. The figures are all beardless. The crutch-like column is an ashera that represents the moon-god Sin. Probably a period about 1000 b.c. The Kassite Style The type of the Kassite period is recognized by several cylinders in the Metropolitan and other collections which bear the names of Kassite Kings. They belong to the Middle period of the Second millenium b.c. They are characterized by long inscriptions, mostly prayers to the gods, so that they would seem to have something of the character of amulets. There is a different style of dress and new emblems, especially the Greek cross, a symbol of the sun. We may suppose that this new influence came with the Kassite dynasty from Elam. 64 No. 121. Babylonian cylinder of the Kassite period, of chalcedony. Wrought with the point y and in good condition. Lengthy jy mm.; diameter ofend , Iy mm. Marduk with his scimitar in his hand behind his back, and a fly behind his head. Eight lines of inscription, which read: BELONGING TO UR - MISH-URUMI. SON OF ABI - IMMUTA. IN COMMAND OF HIS LORDSHIP. NERGAL MAY HE HEAR. SHAMASH MAY HE LIFT UP. This is a good example of the prayers on these Kassite cylinders. About 1500 b. c. No. 122. Babylonian cylinder of the Kassite type. Wrought with the pointy in excellent preservation t of Amazon stone (green felspar). Lengthy 28 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. A worshipper, with one hand raised, with a tall conical hat, and long simple garment. Seven lines of inscription, addressed to the god Sin by a servant of Im-tuk .... About 1500-1300 b. c. No. 123. Babylonian cylinder of the Kassite period, of blood-stone , black with red spots. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, 30 mm.; diameter of end, n.y mm. Marduk, in long garment, holding his scimitar downward. Six lines of inscription, which read: O GODDESS OF E-AN-NA GUARD, PRESERVE SPARE (FOR LONG LIFE) THE SERVANT WHO FEARS THEE, ZABRA SON OF INDIM. This cylinder is distinctly of the Kassite type, and may be 1400- 1 300 b. c. No. 124. Babylonian cylinder of the Kassite type , of a blue opaque glass — in fair condition , except for portions where the glass has been dissolved out. Wrought with the point. Length , 24 mm.; diameter of end y 12 mm. A standing god in a long robe, with hand extended. An animal (dog ?) before him; a cross and five lines of inscription. The material is very unusual. It may be of 1500 to 1000 b.c. The inscription has been considerably damaged by the injury to the glass, making it impossible to provide a satisfactory translation; but it appears to be late Kassite. No. 125. Babylonian cylinder , of the Kassite period , of finely mottled red and white jasper. Wrought with the point , and in fair condition. Length , 32 mm.; diameter of end , 16 mm. A seated god, in long garment, holding a vase, his seat over two human-headed bulls. Before him a worshipper in a long garment, with one hand extended, a line of inscription between the god and the worshipper. Seven lines of filiary inscription, reading: MA-AN-BARGINI-MARDUK THE DIVINER SON OF IRIBA-MARDUK FAMILY OF ISIN BORN AT BABYLON CHIEF SERVANT OF THE GOD MARDUK AND THE GODDESS GULA. This interesting cylinder belongs to the period of Kassite domina¬ tion, and is probably about 1400 b. c. No. 126. Babylonian cylinder of shelly yellow and brown marble. Wrought with the point and wheel , and in fair preservation. Length , 23 mm.; diameter of end , 8 mm. A figure in long garment appears to hold on his hand a large crescent-shaped vessel, over which is a big dot. A small man in front, and three lines of inscription, which read: ILUBANETE AN-NA BI ■ . i.. This cylinder is in the Kassite style, and may be 1400 to 1200 b. c. The material, crowded with broken shells, is unique. No. 127. Babylonian cylinder, perhaps of the Kassite period, or perhaps later, of iridescent glass. Length, 40 mm.; diameter of end, 16 mm. In good condition, except the figure of a man, or god, partly lost. Border lines; a mutilated figure of Marduk, probably; ibex couchant over a couchant winged animal. Three lines of inscription. This very unusual cylinder of glass is too tender to take an impression of it and is not pictured. Thick Marble Cylinders We have here a class of cylinders more easily classified than localized in place or time. On account of their rudeness, and their lack of inscrip¬ tions they have been placed among the most archaic, but this is very doubtful. The larger ones are of white marble, and the smaller ones usually of pink marble, and we have here an example in bronze. They are probably Southern Babylonian, judging from the region from which they are reported to have come. No. 128. A Babylonian cylinder of white marble, only partly pierced. Rudely wrought with the wheel, in excellent condition. Length, 36 mm.; diameter of end, 32 mm. A gateway, or shrine, and two bulls. This cylinder belongs to an enigmatical class, which has been regarded as very archaic. More probably it is about 1000 b. c. No. 129. Babylonian cylinder ofwhite marble. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. The shape ofthis cylinder is peculiar. The upper end is reduced to afrustum ofa cone. Length, 2Qmm. (21+8); diameter of one end, 20 mm., of the other end, 1 o mm. The cylindrical portion contains two ibexes and a gate, or shrine. The remaining portion is covered with a decoration of angles, each entering into the previous one. There is the same decoration in the shrine. MX t>7 This belongs to the class of thick cylinders which have no inscrip¬ tion, and which Menant regarded as extremely early; but this is not likely. Perhaps 2000 to 1000 b. c. No. 130 . Babylonian cylinder of soft black serpentine. Coarsely wrought with wheel and point; in excellent condition. Length, 26 mm.; diameter of end y 25 mm. A goat (?), a deer and an ibex; four vertical lines with cross lines at the top; four circles with short radiating lines, one of them at the summit of a vertical line with a deep dot at the lower end; a rude star. This belongs to the class of thick cylinders, the origin of which is still doubtful. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 131 . Babylonian cylinder of white marble. Wrought with the wheel, and in good condition. Length, 28 mm.; diameter of end, 24 mm. Two deer and three dots before each. The holeisnot pierced through. Origin and date uncertain., Perhaps 1000 b. c. ; possibly much earlier. No. 132 . Babylonian cylinder of white marble. Wrought with the wheel, and in good condition. Length,36 mm.; diameter of end, IQ mm. A large scorpion, and a simple branch, or tree. It is not certain that this is strictly Babylonian. It may be of a period less than 1000 b. c. No. 133 . Babylonian cylinder of green soft serpentine. Wrought with point and drill. Length, 25 mm.; diameter of end, 23 mm. In good condition. The design consists of three ibexes, of which the middle one, bearded, has the long horns bent downward, and the two others, not bearded, have the horns bent upward. There is also a simple tree, and there are some uncertain lines. This belongs to this enigmatic class of very thick cylinders, gen¬ erally of soft red marble, when small, as in the two next numbers, but in this case green serpentine. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 134 . Babylonian cylinder of pink marble. Very coarsely wrought with the wheel, in good condition. Length, 24 mm.; diameter of end, 24 mm. The upper register has five figures very rudely drawn, seated before vases. The lower register has apparently seven two-necked vases, and two with a rod rising from them. 68 The meaning of all this is very doubtful, as well as the date. Perhaps IOOO b. c. No. 135 . Babylonian cylinder of pink marble. Wrought with drill and point, very coarsely; in good condition. Length, IQ mm.; diameter of end, IQ mm. Two very rude seated figures, or two standings third object, possibly human (or animal); two posts, dots, and a crossed border below, in part, and shorter above. Perhaps i ooo b. c., possibly earlier. No. 136 . Babylonian cylinder, of black serpentine. Rudely and deeply wrought with drill and point, and in good condition. Length, IJ mm.; diameter of end, 16 mm. Three ibexes, of which two have the head turned back towards the third. Also an ibex’s head and several deep dots. This cylinder also is of the class of thick cylinders, so difficult to locate. Perhaps i ooo b. c. The next cylinder belongs in shape and material to those just con¬ sidered; but its art is different, being somewhat carefully wrought with the point, and with a full design. Its period and provenance are quite doubtful. No. 137 . Apparently an early cylinder ofuncertain origin,possibly Babylonian, but more likelyfrom a region about Assyria, as it is of a soft dark grey serpen¬ tine. Wrought with the point, somewhat rudely, and in good condition. Length, 28 mm.; diameter of end, 2J mm. Two vertical intertwined serpents, with heads at the top, and a slender waving line (or tail ?) from the bottom each side. A squat nude figure, perhaps a god, holds in one hand a club, or wand, and in the other holds out what may be a stalk of wheat. Above him are the heads of animals, and below him a fish and perhaps a leg of meat, while a nude figure presents to him an animal held by the tail; a second scene shows a nude man lifting an animal by the tail, holding also its neck; opposite him a second nude figure holds a paddle-shaped object; between them a fish and a dagger; rude animals’ heads; also two more intertwined serpents. This very curious cylinder shows the presentation of food to a deity, or, quite as likely, to the dead in Hades. If Babylonian it would be over 3000 b. c., but later if from the Assyrian neighborhood. 6 9 Elamite Cylinders The two following cylinders perhaps belong to the Elamite region. No. 13 5 is of the light green serpentine of which some Elamite cylinders are made. The two are of the same rude type of art, but No. 138 has at a later period, probably, been covered with a delicate cuneiform inscription. M. de Morgan regards the Elamite art as very primitive. No. 138 . Elamite (?) cylinder of light green serpentine. Very rudely wrought with the wheel t and in good condition. Lengthy 39mm.; diameter ofend y 12mm. A very rude bull or cow, followed by a smaller one lying down. A fish above and a double oval; some dots. This cylinder much resembles some brought by M. de Morgan from Susa and is of the same material — perhaps 1500 b. c., perhaps very much older. No. 139 . Elamite (?) cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the wheel and point very rudely. Lengthy 41 mm.; diameter of endy 9.3 mm. Two ibexes and other uncertain small objects; the spaces with thin small inscriptions which are probably later and are reversed on the cast. The date of such a cylinder as this is very doubtful. 70 ASSYRIAN CYLINDERS A SSYRIAN cylinders can generally, if not always, be distin¬ guished from those that are properly Babylonian. The earlier ^ ones are usually of a softer serpentine, and rather large, and in length a little more than twice the diameter of the end. The later ones may be of any material, but more frequently of chalcedony. The designs vary markedly from the Babylonian, showing native motives, and a certain influence, at least in the later times, from the Egyptian, through the art of the intermediate nations. Such are the winged disk, the tree of life, the seven dots, the rhomb, the angular decorations, the sphinx, and the various forms of the fight between Bel and the Dragon. Doubtful Assyrian Cylinders The following cylinders may not be Assyrian—but they have Assyrian alliance: No. 140 . Perhaps Assyrian, or of some outlying country, of black serpentine. Wrought with the point, very coarsely, and in good condition. Length, jg mm.; diameter of end, 20 mm. Three ibexes with curved horns; a star, and two birds (?). It is impossible to fix the age of such rude work. Very likely IOOO b. c. No. 141 . Assyrian (?) cylinder, of soft gray serpentine. Wrought with wheel and point, quite coarsely, and in excellent condition. Length, 25 mm.; dia?neter of end, 12 A mm - An eagle with wings spread between two triangular hills made of small squares; a double line with cross lines passes under the eagle and over the hills. It is impossible to locate this cylinder very certainly either in time or place. It apparently comes from some one of the ruder regions about Assyria, and may be 2000- 1000 b. c. 7 * No. 142 . Probably Assyrian cylinder of soft serpentine. Wrought with the pointy very rudely , but in fair condition , as it is deeply engraved. Lengthy 2Q mm.; diameter of end , 11 mm. But probably one end has been losty with the corresponding border. A border of two lines, with a succession of large equilateral triangles between them. The figures are not easy to make out, but probably a vase on a stand within two vertical lines, and a slender kneeling figure before it. There is a vertical column, and by it a flaw in the stone. The interesting thing about this cylinder is the border, which is of a very old Assyrian style. Perhaps 2000 b. c. No. 143 . Assyrian (?) cylinder of soft gray serpentine. Coarsely and deeply cut with the point; in good condition. Lengthy 2J mm.; diameter of end, iomm. Within border lines are two registers separated by a line. In one are three long-legged, long-necked birds with head turned back, and a third uncertain object consisting of a line bent double, like a cup on its side, and a line within it. The other register is reversed; there is a bird in the same attitude, a scorpion, a tree or an oval object. This cylinder is of most uncertain period, but probably quite early. No. 144 . Perhaps an Assyrian cylinder of the Syro-Hittite regions. A gray materialy perhaps terra-cotta. Length,32 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. Three fishes diagonally across the surface. A number of pecked, small triangles, and two wedges crossing three, and other wedges. Probably 1000 to 500 b. c. The Older Assyrian Style A number of early Assyrian cylinders are here grouped, although the designs are by no means the same. They are, with one exception, all of soft serpentine. We have the worshipper before a deity or before an altar in Nos. 145-148; before the winged disk or sacred tree in No. 149 (an early example); the sphinx either worshipped or shot by an archer inNos.150-152; the sphinx again and a hunting scene in 15 3. No. 145 . Perhaps a very early Assyrian cylinder of unusual elongated form, such as wefind in very early Babylonian cylinders. Gray serpentine. Length, 4Q mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. Bather deeply and coarsely cut. 72 There are two registers, as is usual in these long, slender cylinders, separated by three lines. The upper register has a beardless deity, prob¬ ably Bau, seated over a swan, or goose. Two figures approach, the first an attendant deity leading the worshipper. The attendant deity holds in the hand a vase with two spouting streams. Behind the seated deity is a scorpion, and there are several other small indeterminate objects. In the lower register are three swans. This cylinder may be of a period 2000 b. c., or earlier. No. 146. An early Assyrian cylinder, of soft black serpentine, somewhat convex. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, ji mm.; diameter of end y 11 mm. There are border lines, consisting of parallel diagonal lines, at some distance from the ends. Within them a high stand, with a vase at the top, on the left a figure, probably a god, in a long garment, and a low square hat, with one hand raised, and holding with the other a bow, and with a club-like weapon hanging behind from his belt. On the other side an attendant in a long garment, bareheaded, and apparently with a queue reaching to the ground, lifts in one hand what may be a fly-flap over the vase, and with the other possibly holds a bow. There are three three-rayed stars, or wedges, and also a simple tree. Such cylinders as this are valuable to illustrate early worship as also the weapons in use. Probably 2000 b. c. No. 147. Assyrian cylinder of serpentine. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length ,37 mm.; diameter of end, /1 mm. Surface slightly convex. Wide border above and below, of a succession of angles. A vase on a high stand; on one side a bearded god, in a long Assyrian garment holds in left hand a bow, and his right hand is raised in recognition of a worshipper with hand raised. Behind them a star and a vertical comb-like object over an early form of the tree of life. A crescent. The worshipper seems to hold up a trident-like object. This is one of the early cylinders, of native origin, perhaps not purely Assyrian. Perhaps 2000 to 1500 b. c. No. 148. Assyrian cylinder of soft gray serpentine. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, I ’/mm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. A seated deity, beardless, in a flounced dress reaching to the ankles, holds in the hand a bent tube, as if drinking from a large vase with three N 73 •i cross-lines. Within the bend of the tube a small vase, Aquarius, and the “libra.” Next a peculiar altar or table, having two straight and two curved legs, on which rests a construction bordered with two sides bend¬ ing in at the top, and six shelves within; a round dot each side at the top. Then a figure, a worshipper probably, with a very wide fringed garment and both hands raised. This very peculiar cylinder suggests that it may be of the primitive Assyrian period. The flounced garments are too long for the primitive Babylonian period; nor do the dimensions belong to that period, nor * the material. Perhaps 2500 to 2000 b. c. No. 149 . Assyrian cylinder of reddish jaspery stone. Wrought with the point, and somewhat worn. Length, 42 mm.; diameter of end, 16 mm. Somewhat convex towards the ends. Two registers separated by two lines. In the upper one a winged disk over a simple tree of life, with four branches each side; on each side a figure in a long garment holds a staff in one hand, the other raised. A worshipper holding a staff stands before a standing god holding a bow; one vertical line. In the lower register two bulls on one knee face each other; between them a large star; behind them the seven dots of the Igigi, over a rhomb, or oval. This is probably a rather early cylinder of the Assyrian type, prob¬ ably 2000 to 1500 b. c. No. 150 . An early Assyrian cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point, and somewhat worn. Length, 2 7 mm.; diameter of end, 14 mm. The Tree of Life with large fruit from five branches. A winged eagle-headed figure rests one foot against the tree below, and with his two hands plucks off the fruit. Two lines of inscription. o 77 This is a most remarkable cylinder, and shows that the winged deity is plucking off the fruit of the tree for giving life and fortune to the owner of the seal. Perhaps 800-700 b. c. No. 161 . Assyrian cylinder of pink sard. Coarsely engraved ’with the 'wheel. Length, 46 mm.; diameter of end, I5 mm. Somewhat convex. In good condition, exceptfor a faw in the lower part of onefigure. The winged disk, over the Tree of Life, made of seventeen branches below, and nine radiating above; on each side a standing figure seizes a stream falling from the winged disk; one a god with a hat surmounted by three dots, and with a tassel behind, the other a worshipper. A star over a crescent, and seven dots of the Igigi. Border lines. The streams, or cords, from below the wings of the disk represent the connection with the supreme deity. About 700-600 b. c. No. 162 . Assyrian cylinder of brown jasper, full of yellow spots of coral encir¬ cled with bright red. Rather rudely wrought with the wheel, and in excellent condition. Length, 46 mm.; diameter of end, 16 mm. Border lines. The winged disk over the tree of life, the tree very simple, of eight branches each side, ending with a dot. A worshipper in simple garment each side; crescent over the worshipper; star over a lozenge, over a fish, over a bird. The material is very beautiful and is unique; apparently petrifaction of red coral. 700 to 500 b. c. No. 163 . Assyrian cylinder of black and gray chalcedony. Wrought with the point; worn but clear. Length, 26.5 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. Winged solar disk of Ashur with three heads of the god, one on each wing, supported by two figures of Eabani with lifted hands, each side of the Tree of Life. On one side is a winged divine genius, with hand extended and holding a basket, and on the other a worshipper. Perhaps 800 b. c. Said to have come from the Hauran. No. 164 . Syro-Hittite cylinder, of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 24.5 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. A seated griffin each side of the tree of life, and a bird falls down from above on each side, as if attacking the griffin. A vertical rope pat¬ tern, each side of which is a short-skirted figure with hand lifted. 78 135 PLATE XIX . *' * ' ■ * , - . * - / - ■ • • 139 Perhaps 1000 to 700 b. c. Said to have come from the Hauran, but indicates Assyrian rather than Egyptian influence. No. 165. An Assyrian cylinder oftranslucent quartz crystal. Length >2 7 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. Wrought with the point very finely, but rather thinly . The design shows a Tree of Life above which is a standing bird. It is guarded above on one side by a griffin, and on the other by a sphinx, while below them is a small ibex. A second design shows a hero in a short garment, face in profile, seizing with each hand a lion. Below each lion is a crouched bull, and on one side a small crouched ibex. Above the hero is the winged disk; the wings long, and the disk en¬ closing a cross representing the sun. This beautiful cylinder is in good condition and may be 600 b. c. No. 166. An Assyrian cylinder. Hematite. Wrought with the point. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, Q .3 mm. The design shows a Tree of Life, with a star on each side below, guarded on each side by a lion with paw raised to the tree, and head turned back. Above are two scorpions. This interesting cylinder may come from one of the outlying regions of Assyria, and its date may be from 1000 to 600 b. c. No. 167. Assyrian cylinder oflapis lazuli. Wrought with the point and wheel, and in good condition. Length, iq mm.; diameter of end, g mm. Surf ace slightly concave. A Tree of Life, of simple construction, and on each side a prancing lion-sphinx. This cylinder has Persian characteristics, and is probably about 500 b. c. No. 168. Cylinder of Egyptian style, of terra cotta, with green glaze, moulded of clay. Length, 31 mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. Coarsely wrought, but in excellent condition. A tree of five simple branches, each ending in a knob, grows from a gate-like construction. A worshipper in a long garment, bareheaded, faces the tree. Behind him is a gate; on the other side a deer with its head turned back, with diagonal cross lines. This cylinder is probably from Syria, under Egyptian influence, as well as Babylonian. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b. c. \ 79 No. 169. Cylinder in Syro-Egyptian style, of light terra cotta or steatite. In good condition. Lengthy 21 mm.; diameter of end, iomm. Rudely cut. A tree with three spreading branches each side, with rows of fruit from them. A crab, over a bird with wing lifted; an object, perhaps a scorpion. This seems to belong to a class that became popular during the Egyptian domination in Syria. Perhaps 1400 b.c. The Assyrian Adad It would seem to be the Assyrian Adad who appears in the three following cylinders where we see the standing god, in No. 170, on his characteristic bull,and in No. 171 duplicated for symmetry,and attack¬ ing a figure which has been called the Gorgon, although this may as well be a representation of the Gigantomachia. The god has bows from his shoulders tipped with stars. 4 No. 110 .-Assyrian cylinder of chalcedony, the upper part reddish. Wrought with the wheel, and in good condition. The lower part has a patch of oxidized copper attached to it. Length 34 mm.; diameter of end, 13mm. The goddess Ishtar seated in a chair which has four stars at the back, and under the chair a lion. She holds in one hand a ring of dots, while the other extended hand holds a scimitar; she has a square head-dress with points. The god Adad, with a bow from each shoulder stands on a bull. Before Adad stands a worshipper in a long garmentwith hands extended. Behind Adad the column of Marduk. Before the worshipper is the winged disk—also a crescent, and a rhomb, and border lines. Perhaps 700 b.c. This cylinder is of choice material and excellent execution. No. 171. This cylinder is perhaps Assyrian, although it belongs to a very small class whose provenance is not well established. It is of black serpentine. Length, 33 mm.; dia?neter of end, 13 m?n. A central stout and gigantic figure, which may be called a Gorgon, or Giant, rests on one knee; the body is scaly; the two hands rest on the hips; the head, in front view, is adorned with a head-dress like a crown, and two long artificial locks fall away on each side. This figure on other seals has the feet split into several divisions. On each side it is attacked by a 80 deity like Adad, with one foot on the creature’s legs, and two bows rising from the two shoulders. There is a small tree, and a crude worshipper with hands raised above the head. This peculiar cylinder is probably of a period more than i ooo b. c. The “Gorgon” is much like the Gorgon of Greek art. No. 172. Assyrian cylinder of light brown chalcedony , which has been specked withwhite by fire. Wrought with wheel and point, and infair condition. Length, JO mm.; diameter of end, 14 mm. Within border lines the god Adad standing, in a long garment, with one foot advanced, and one hand raised, with bows from his shoulders ending in deep dots, and other weapons from his body; behind him Ishtar similarly clad, and with a star on her square hat, holds in her hand a circle of dots; between them a column with triangular top and streamers; also a crescent above. A worshipper stands before the god, in long garment, with hands extended; between them, above, a star, and behind the wor¬ shipper the seven dots of the Igigi, over an ibex with a vertical horn divided and bent at the top. This valuable cylinder shows the effect of fire, and is a good example of the treatment of two principal deities. Perhaps 700 b. c. A Seated Deity In No. 170 we have seen Ishtar seated over a lion, with the standing Adad, and in No. 172 we have had the standing Ishtar. In the ruder art it is not always easy to distinguish the god from the goddess. We may presume that it is a goddess that is intended in the following cases, but \ we may be far astray in conjecturing as to date or even provenance, where Assyrian, Egyptian and Hittite motives are so confused, or where the artist may have been quite untrained in the conventions of his own art. No. 173. A primitive Assyrian cylinder of soft green serpentine. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 2J mm.; diameter of end, ij mm. A bull under a square canopy, and on a construction, or altar; a beardless deity in long flounced garment, in a round cap, holds to her mouth a tube from a vase. Before her a nude man holds a vase which is under six dots (instead of seven). But a dot takes the place of the sun in a crescent. The “libra” and a small vase and star. P 8 l This cylinder probably belongs to an early period of Assyrian history, 2000 to i ooo b. c., and very likely to one of the outlying provinces. Yet the dots seem to indicate a later period. The bull may be one emblem of Adad, like Aaron’s “golden calf,” and the calves, or bulls, set up by Jeroboam. No. 174. Early Assyrian or Syrian cylinder, of reddish-brown serpentine. Scratched with the point in outline , and in excellent condition. Length , 28 mm.; diameter of end , jj mm. A seated beardless deity in a high-backed chair holds a vase tipped to drink. Before her, at a distance, an attendant holding a fan. Between them numerous small objects, a column with triangular top, a dagger, an ibex lying down, two small branches, a row of five vases, and a sixth in the hand of a small figure, also a larger vase, a sun, consisting of a circle with many short radiating lines, and a dot within it. This peculiar cylinder belongs to the early period of Assyrian art, but it is not at all clear that it is from the territory of Assyria; very likely from one of the outlying provinces. The shape of the fan is familiar in the East to-day. The small objects represent offerings to this deity. Perhaps 1500 b. c. No. 175. Phoenician or Syrian cylinder , of iron ore. Said to have beenfound at Tiberias , in Palestine , in a tomb with glass. Scratched in outline coarsely , and in good condition. Length , 2 $ mm.; diameter of end , 11 mm. A beardless seated deity, holding a vase; the sun,in crescent,each side of his head; an approaching armless figure in a garment to the knees, and a small standing figure between them; a lion facing a quadruped, with paw lifted. Under the lion a winged sphinx; a crux ansata and a second Egyptian symbol, over a doubled helix. This naive work is apparently not by a professional seal-cutter, but by an amateur. It belongs to a period of peculiarly strong Egyptian influence, but the period is uncertain. Perhaps from 1500 to 800 b. c. No. 176. A Syro-Hittite cylinder , of white opaque calcined chalcedony. Coarsely wrought with the wheel , and in excellent condition , except that a fragment is chipped offat the bottom. Length , Jj tnm.; diameter ofend , iymm. Within border lines, under a rope pattern, is a tree of life, with an ibex rampant on each side above, and a winged lion-sphinx below. A nude winged female figure lifts with each hand an antelope by the hind 82 150 144 147 149 148 PLATE XXI 145 i ^J j ■ 7 . ' v _ ■. < , i . ■ •VS « i . ..... . n •• 'k •" - ♦ * \V ' 158 152 155 154 156 / 153 PLATE XXII leg. A seated goddess holds a small figure on her knee. Under her seat is a lion,before her feet a winged lion-sphinx,above which is a worshipper. A columnar object on a tripod. These figures are all rudely engraved with three sorts of revolving tools. Perhaps 600 b. c. No. 177. An Assyrian cylinder of chalcedony. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. Somewhat barrel-shaped. Rudely wrought with wheel or terebra. A goddess is seated in a high-backed chair. Before her is a table, with a table-cloth, on which are two shallow crescent-shaped dishes, or objects; above are the seven dots representing the seven Igigi, or spirits. Beyond the table is a columnar altar with flame rising from it, and before it stands a worshipper with hands raised. The worshipper is supposed to present to the goddess the offerings on the tables and altar. This is a late cylinder, as shown by the design, the workmanship and the barrel-shape, and may be of about 500 b. c. The following cylinder is notable for the number of its emblems; the column, or ashera, with the crescent of the moon-god Sin, the ashera of Marduk, the seven dots, or stars, of the Igigi, the unusual form of the tree of life, and the boat-like objects within which the worshippers stand. No. 178. Assyrian cylinder, black serpentine. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 24 mm.; diameter of end, 11 .$ mm. A high ashera, the end tipped with a crescent. On each side a worshipper in a long garment, with hand lifted, stands in a sort of boat, with the sides adorned at the top with knobs; column of Marduk, seven dots, a column with four groups of radiating curved lines at the top, perhaps a tree of life. The meaning ofthe“ boat” is problematical. Perhaps 800 to 600 b.c. A certain number of Assyrian cylinders contain only animals, or mythological creatures, which may be fighting. Such are the three next. No. 179. Assyrian cylinder of serpentine, slightly convex. Wrought with the point. Length,jo mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. In excellent condition. Border lines close to the ends. A lion from behind charges a fleeing wild goat. A crescent, a large star, and seven dots representing the Igigi. This cylinder is vigorously conceived, but roughly drawn on the soft stone. From 1000 to 600 b.c. No. 180 . An Assyrian cylinder of brown and white jaspery agate. Length, JI mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Coarsely wrought with the wheel, and in good condition. A winged short-tailed quadruped pursues two others without wings; all rampant. Probably about 500 b.c. No. 181 . Assyrian or Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Lengthy ijmm.; diameter of end, Qmm. A sphinx over a lion; a lion, under a bird, attacks a sphinx, or griffin; a rabbit’s head, dots and uncertain small objects. This cylinder may be of 1500 to 1000 b. c. A certain number of miscellaneous cylinders may be here presented which do not easily yield to classification and may be of uncertain period or provenance. No. 182 . Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 28 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. A winged monster with head and neck of a bird, no arms, and legs of a man ; a deity in a garment to below the knees lifts an ibex by the neck. A lion seated over what is a much reduced rope pattern; over a griffin and perhaps a rabbit. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 183 . Probably a Syrian cylinder, or one from the outlying regions of Assyria, of hematite. Well cut with point and wheel. Length, 22mm.; diam¬ eter of end, 9.5 mm. Within close border lines a bird-headed deity in long loose robe, holds by the hands two human-headed winged sphinxes. Between their backs a tree of life consisting of a column surmounted by a rhomb and a crescent, with a crook on each side, a crescent above, and below a bull’s head and a small quadruped. 84 The bird-headed deity, who replaces the more usual form of Bel, is unusual, and suggests a Syrian origin. Perhaps 600 b. c. No. 184 . Assyrian cylinder, or from the region neighboring Assyria, of soft gray serpentine. Wrought with the point, but badly worn. Length, 25 mm.; diameter of end, 15mm. The surface is concave. The design consists of a principal part of somewhat more than half the length of the cylinder, on which we find a table, or altar, above which, at some distance, is a foot and two other objects, perhaps birds. On the left-hand side is a seated deity, and on the right a short-skirted servant holding a vase, approaches the altar; two animals and small objects. The upper and lower portions each occupy a quarter of the surface separated from the main portion by lines. They have animals, etc., mostly indistinguishable. Perhaps 2000 to 1200 b. c. No. 185 . Perhaps a Syro-Hittite cylinder, of hematite. Worn but plain. Wrought with the point. Length, ipmm.; diameter of end, gmm. Apparently a nude goddess, face in front view like Ishtar, each hand raised, one holding a banner of a sun in a crescent. On each side a small nude figure holds his head back, and lifts one hand to the hand of the goddess. Zirbanit, nude; two small lions, facing, each with paw raised, over two animals (rabbits); over two small seated figures, and a bird. Perhaps a goat-fish above. Two small human figures looking up and lifting the arm, are not easily explained. Possibly the goddess is thought of as lifting the two by the hand, but this is doubtful. No. 186 . Cylinder ofuncertain provenance,perhaps Assyrian,perhaps Syrian, of iridescent glass, coarsely engraved, but in fair condition. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Two winged animals rampant, facing each other. Cylinders of glass are very unusual. Because of the fragile iridescence there is no impression of this cylinder and it is not pictured. The following are rude cylinders in metal. Occasionally we find a cylinder cast in copper or bronze, or made of silver. It may be that they are Hittite or Cypriote. Q_ No. 187 . Perhaps a Hittite cylinder , of copper, slightly concave. In fair condition. Lengthy 16 mm.; diameter of end y 8.$mm. Border line above; three crouched animals, apparently goats, or cattle; a possible branch over the body of each. Cylinders of metal are extremely rare. This may be from 1800 to 800 b. c. We have no means of designating the age of this cylinder. Copper was early found within the Hittite territory. No. 188 . Very likely a Hittite cylinder, of silver. Apparently cast in deep relief and in good condition. Lengthy Ijmm.; diameter of end, 10mm. Border lines and separated by a line into two registers. The upper has four crouched bulls and two circles. The lower has eight objects of uncertain meaning, consisting of a deep round head and two legs, one bent inward at the bottom. This cylinder is interesting for its material, silver, which was much valued in Hittite work. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 189 . This cylinder cast in metal , perhaps an alloy of silver and copper, is of uncertain age and nationality. It may be of early Susian origin. Length, 16 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. The design simply represents a rude, deeply engraved quadruped, and three lines, one of which is a zigzag. The material gives this cylinder its interest. Probably 1500-1000 b. c. 86 163 164 162 159 165 160 PLATE XXIII . \ ' ;• , • • * • *. . - .. «_-j ‘-fv [68 [69 PLATE XXIV 172 CYPRIOTE CYLINDERS T HE art of the Cypriote cylinders is almost always very rude and has both Egyptian and Babylonian elements, as well as those native to the island. The following seem to belong to this style. No. 190 . Cylinder of Egyptian style, ofgreenish glazed earthenware. Lengthy 25 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. In good condition , but of rude workmanship. A rude standing figure has the hand raised before a linear column crossed by three stars each of three lines crossing. On the other side a a large bird with lifted wing and spread tail above and below the tail a similar star. This cylinder may be Cypriote or possibly Syrian. Probably about 1000 b. c. No. 191 . Cypriote cylinder of hematite. Cut with the pointy and in good condi¬ tion. Lengthy 21.5 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Surf ace slightly concave. Within border lines, a slender tree of life with three long divergent branches: on each side is a figure in long simple garment, with one hand toward the tree, but the head turned backward. The one to the right of the tree the head of an ibex; the other a human head, a tall hat with long horns and three knobbed rays of weapons from one shoulder. He (or she) reaches one hand toward a rampant ibex; another figure, nude, with a similar tall hat, and with two cow’s horns reaches the hand on each side to seize an ibex. This cylinder is reported to have been found in Cyprus, and the work corresponds thereto. What is very unusual, it retains the gold caps on each end, but the gold wire running through it with a loop to hang it by, is missing. Probably 1000 b. c. No. 192 . Probably a Cypriote cylinder, of soft serpentine. Rudely wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 21 mm.; diameter ofend , iomm. 87 Within border lines two rude figures, a serpent, two animals, one a lion, the other an ibex, a bird, three crosses and eight dots interspersed. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 193 . Perhaps a Cypriote cylinder , of soft serpentine. Wrought with the point y and in good condition. Lengthy 18 mm.; diameter of end , Qmm. Within border lines, a rude seated figure with one hand behind him, the other held toward a spear with broad point downward—a serpent, and a second spear. A walking figure holds his hand forward toward a large crescent on a very short standard, over a serpent. The whole is rudely cut in outline, and the objects are not drawn vertically but on an angle. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 194 . This cylinder showing Egyptian influencey is probably of Cypriote origin. It is of serpentine , like so many cylinders from Cyprus. Lengthy 21mm.; diatneter of endy iomm. The very rough scratched design shows a human figure holding up a lotus. There is a bird, and other Egyptian hieroglyphics. Perhaps 2000-1000 b. c. * 88 SYRO-HITTITE CYLINDERS T HE present collection is extraordinarily rich in cylinders coming from the Syro-Hittite territory, and special attention has been devoted to securing them. Some of the earlier ones from the Phoenician and Syrian regions are strongly Egyptian in their type, while others are as strongly Babylonian, or occasionally Assyrian in type. Others can be classed as definitely Hittite, but the Hittite art itself is a composite, which has been more influenced from the Babylonian art, and to a less degree from its mythology, and has only later been affected by the dominance of Assyria. It has even felt the touch of the coast civilization of the Mycenaean period. In return it gave more than one god to Babylonia. A number from Syria or the outlying regions of Assyria, which are specially Assyrian in character, have already been figured. The Egyptian Influence The cylinders which follow come mostly from Phoenicia, including Palestine and the Hauran, where from a very early period, at least as early as the Twelfth Dynasty, the Egyptian influence was at times predominant. No. 195 . Cylinder of Egyptian type , of steatite with green glaze , one end retaining a cap ofgold plate. Wrought with the point , and in good condition. Length , 2 $ mm.; diameter of end , Q.y mm. Within border lines an Egyptian figure, beardless, in a long robe, bare-headed, seated in a chair, and holding the emblem of felicity. Behind him a standing similar figure holding the same emblem. Two lines of hieroglyphs. This cylinder is very likely from Syria, and may be from 1500 to 1200 b. c. The gold plate on the end is unusual but not unique. A cylinder in the South Kensington Museum has the gold caps finely indented with an elaborate figure; and tablets of the Kassite period belonging to the University of Pennsylvania show similar indented gold caps. In Ridgeway’s “The Early Age of Greece,” I. p. 33, it is implied that the cylinders were used chiefly as amulets, and that what we call seals are found entirely covered with gold plate, but this is never true of cylinder seals. No. 196 . Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, 16 mm.; diameter of end , Qmm. Eagle with wings and legs spread, over a rope pattern, over a deer crouched and with head turned back. A beardless worshipper in a long garment, with hands to the breast, on each side of a flounced goddess, in front view, with hands to her breast. An Egyptian hawk, and a fish (?) with long protruding tongue. Two stars. Close border lines. This excellent cylinder shows Egyptian elements, and may be 1400 b. c. No. 197 . Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, worn at the ends, a bit battered, but the design is clear. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. The design has Egyptian as well as Babylonian elements. An Egyp¬ tian god holds a papyrus flower, and with one hand an axe across his body. Behind him is a lion-headed god with the Egyptian apron, and then follows a female head attached to a herm. There are also a crescent, the Egyptian emblem of stability, and the crux ansata. This cylinder, which is said to have come from the Hauran, repre¬ sents a period of Egyptian influence, from 1800 to 1400 b. c. No. 198 . Probably a Phoenician or Syrian cylinder, very likely from the Hauran, of hematite. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 12mm. In good preservation. A beardless god, in a short protruding Egyptian apron, and with a high tapering head-dress, holds in his hand a long vertical spear. Behind him a goddess in a square hat also holds a spear. Behind them a star and a crux ansata. Three lines of inscription. The inscription is of the same style, and also the figure, as in the two Sidonian cylinders in the de Clercq collection. Probably a date earlier than 1 200 b. c., perhaps several centuries earlier, or even as far back as the Twelfth dynasty. 90 No. 199 . Probably a Syrian cylinder, of hematite. Lengthy 17 mm.; diameter of end, 7 mm. Cut with the point, and in good condition. The four figures are of an Egyptian type. A figure in the short pro¬ truding Egyptian apron holds a staff. Before him stands a figure in a long garment, with hand lifted. A third figure follows dressed in the same short apron as the first, and with one hand lifted, and holding a crux ansata by the other. A fourth figure follows the first. The early Egyptian style of this cylinder suggests that it may come from the Hauran region and be of perhaps 1800 b. c., as it is likely that this influence was as early as the Twelfth Dynasty. No. 200 . Syrian or Phcenician cylinder, of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end, g mtn. Two human figures, with head and crescent horns of an ox, walking, with short waist-cloth or breech-cloth, facing, and each holding up a banner. An antelope (?) (rabbit?) over a bird. Borderlines. This cylinder seems to be in the Egyptian style, and yet shows Hittite influence. It may be from 1500 to 1200 b. c., the period quite doubtful. No. 201 . Syro-Egyptian cylinder of hematite, said to have come from the Hauran. Wrought with thepoint; worn but clear. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, g.y mm. A slender winged disk, under which something may have been erased. Facing the space are two figures in long robes, with one hand raised, and with Egyptian crescent and dot on head. A figure in short loin-cloth lifting an object over a fish; a bird and a rabbit’s head over a kneeling figure and a crux ansata. This maybe from 1800 to 1400 b. c. No. 202 . A Sy ro-Hittite cylinder ofhematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 14 mm.; dia?neter of end, 7 mm. A winged bird-headed figure on one knee; facing it a composite creature with the head, branching horns, and legs of a deer, but a human chest and arms, with one hand raised; a lion over a lion-sphinx; an ellipse (eye?) and a column (possibly a tree). This cylinder illustrates the facility with which the Hittite art created composite and winged figures. The ellipse, or lozenge, has been usually considered the female emblem. Rl 9 1 No. 203 . A cylinder that has somewhat the Cypriote type, of soft black serpen¬ tine. Roughly wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 2$ mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. Within border lines, a bird standing on an ibex; a bird-headed winged quadruped; a nude man, beardless, carrying a spear. This cylinder may be 1200 to 1000 B. c. No. 204 . Syro-Hittite cylinder, hematite. Wrought with the point. Length, I g mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. This cylinder shows Egyptian influence. On one side of a round columnar altar which forms two shelves at the top, stands a beardless figure holding a long bent object, perhaps a throw-stick. Facing him approach two similar figures, each lifting a branch or stalk of grain. The three figures are all nude except for a girdle. On one side of the group is a vertical rope pattern enclosed in two lines. This cylinder may be of a period from 1800 to 1500 B. c. No. 205 . Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point and wheel, in good condition. Length, 26 mm.; diameter of end, 13 mm. Lower border line close to the edge—a male figure in tall Hittite hat, wearing the Egyptian apron, reaches one arm straight out to the shoulder of a female figure who reaches her arm to his shoulder. Her garment is behind her, leaving her body exposed. Between them a star above. A flounced figure, probably feminine, with a rather high hat, grasps two serpents, whose heads rise above her shoulders, and whose tails reach her ankles. Small sun in crescent, over seven dots, over crux ansata. Worshipper in a long simple garment. Three small rabbits (?) crouched over tree of life. This peculiar cylinder shows strong Egyptian influence, and may be 1500-1300 b. c. No. 206 . A Phoenician cylinder of hematite, said to have been found in one of the tombs at Tyre. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 15 ?nm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. The design shows, within close border lines, two identical figures facing each other, with human body and a short garment, and with the head and crescent horns of a bull or cow; each holds a snake by the neck. Between them the sun in a crescent. A lion-sphinx, winged, has its paw 9 2 stretched out to an asp. Under them a lion walking, with paw lifted. Above the lion’s head a twisted line, possibly meant to represent horns of a ram, or a “libra.” This is a very admirable cylinder and its asserted provenance agrees with its character. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 207 . Syro-Hittite cylinder ofhematite. Finely wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length , IJ mm.; diameter of end , 8 mm. Very close border lines. Two nude figures fighting, each with a dagger in his hand. Behind one of them a third similar figure holds a spear with the point down. Each wears a girdle from which falls a tassel between the legs, and from each a stream of urine seems to fall. The remainder shows a rope pattern with a recumbent ibex above and, below it, a crux ansata and several small objects. The crux ansata shows Egyptian influence, as also, probably, the appearance of urinating. Perhaps 1400 b. c. No. 208 . Probably a Syrian or Phoenician cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point , in good condition , and slightly concave on the surface. Length , 21 mm.; diameter of end , 11 mm. The design is enclosed within border lines. A figure in short garment, with head and horns of a bull, has one hand raised. Before it a bareheaded figure with garment below the knees, lifts a crux ansata; also a head of an ibex with horns curled back, and four very small indeterminate objects. An ibex rampant; the sun in crescent over a kneeling figure with animal head surmounted by sun in crescent; hand, head of animal, star and small objects. This cylinder has decided Egyptian elements,and may beof 1400 b.c. Syro-Hittite Cylinders of Babylonian Type Nearly all Hittite cylinders show Babylonian or Assyrian influence. As a certain number are mainly controlled by Egyptian motives, so others are chiefly Babylonian or Assyrian in type, and yet do not properly belong to Babylonia or Assyria. Often the Babylonian gods are adopted as well as the Babylonian writing. The discoveries of Winckler at Boghaz-keui prove that as far back as 1500 b. c. the Hittites usually used the cuneiform writing. The following are examples of such cylinders: 93 No. 209. Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite, retaining the copper core from which it was suspended. Lengthy 25 mm.; diameter of end, iy mm. The goddess Aa faces her consort, the sun-god Shamash who holds his notched weapon, and rests his foot on a reduced mountain. Between them above, is the sun in a crescent. Behind is a star above, and a small seated figure below. Then follows Martu with short weapon, or wand. The remainder of the design shows a seated sphinx with paw lifted towards a long-eared seated animal; below them is the rope pattern, and below this a griffin seated and with paw lifted towards a seated antelope. This cylinder shows strong Babylonian influence, as well as Egyptian, and may be 1500-1000 b . c . No. 210. Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with thepoint,andin fair condition. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, Qmm. Slightly concave. Two registers not separated by lines. In the upper register is the standing Shamash with foot lifted, before whom a worshipper brings a goat as offering, followed by the goddess Aa. Also a seated goddess, holding a vase, before whom stands a worshipper with hand raised. In the lower register a slender tree, or column, on each side of which is a rampant goat, behind one of which is a worshipper with hand lifted. Also a worshipper is behind a lion which attacks a kneeling man with hand lifted. This very complicated cylinder has predominant Babylonian motives, but seems to be of Syro-Hittite origin. It may be 1800-1500 b . c. Said to have come from the Hauran. No. 211. Babylonian or Hittite cylinder of he?natite. Wrought with the point, very finely, and infair condition, except a small piece fractured at the bottom. Length, 21 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Border lines. Two registers separated by a line. In the upper are two small figures; two of them, one each side of a column under a star; another approaching seems to be Ishtar with earrings; a figure holding up a stick, or “libra.” Two couples facing each other. The lower register has nine small figures, and two columns and a star. Perhaps 1500-1000 b . c . No. 212. Assyrian or Syro-Hittite cylinder of rose quartz. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 16 mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. 94 A bearded deity in a square hat, in a flounced garment, one leg advanced, with weapons, like bows, radiating from his body. One hand is raised and the other holds an axe. Below it is a slightly bent line within which is a deep dot. A bearded worshipper approaches with both hands extended. Two ibexes crossed, and seven dots. Perhaps 900 to 600 b . c .; and perhaps this could better be classed with the Assyrian cylinders. No. 213 . A Syrian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition. Surface slightly concave. Lengthy 16 mm.; diameter ofendy 10 mm. A bearded deity in a long robe, seated in a chair with a low back, holds a very small vase. Before him is the sun in a crescent, and what looks like an antelope reversed, as if held by the hind leg. A worshipper approaches with hand raised. Behind the worshipper two animals crossed, over a seated monkey. A beardless worshipper holds the hand raised before a god-like Teshub, who holds up a javelin in each hand. Behind him the “ libra;” before him a columnar altar. This interesting cylinder is said to have come from Bethshean in Palestine. May be 1500 b . c . What looks like an arch over the god-like Teshub is probably a flaw in the stone. No. 214 . Syro-Hittite cylinder ofhematite. Wrought with the point, and infair condition. A small piece chipped near the lower end. Length, 24 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. A god in long garment, and a low wide-banded turban, grasps an ibex lifted by the neck. The sun in crescent; a worshipper with hand lifted behind the god, and Aa or Shala in front. A griffin over a gazelle. The god is here the principal Hittite god, perhaps Tarkhu, or San- dan, and corresponds to the Babylonian Martu; so that it is natural to have his consort Shala also figured, as so often with Martu on Baby¬ lonian cylinders. ^ No. 215 . Phoenician cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Said to have been found, with No. 206, in a tomb at Tyre. Wrought with the point,and in good condition. Length, IQ mm.; diameter of end, 10mm. A seated deity, probably a goddess, in flounced garment, has her hand within an indeterminate bent object. Over her hand a star in a crescent. Before her a kneeling figure, under a seated figure. A god holding up a 95 club has his foot on a lion. Behind the seated deity, a small rabbit, over a bull, over two figures holding a spear, the one, apparently male, kneeling; the other female, in a long robe, with hair hanging down her back. Then facing them a female figure with hand raised, and hair, or head-dress down her back. Over her hand a small trident-like object. This cylinder may be of 1000 b. c. and offers types of Phoenician gods worshipped. The bull is worshipped, as in Israel. No. 216 . Syrian cylinder, reported to have been found at Gebal in Syria. Wrought with the point, and in good condition, except that the head of one god is chipped. Length, 23 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. A table with what appears to be shewbread on it. A god in the attitude of Shamash, but carrying an axe over his left shoulder, and with the other hand a sort of sceptre, with a handle near the lower end, and a small crescent at the top just over the table. Opposite is a goddess in front view, with hands to .her breast, wearing a two-horned hat, and a long flounced garment. Behind her a worshipper in flounced dress and turban, and hand raised. Another scene shows a god-like Ninib,or Adad, with one hand raised holding a scimitar over his head, and grasping with the other hand a naked victim at his feet. A small god in a short flounced garment holds aloft a weapon which has notches. This fine example may be 1500 to 1000 b. c. The three following, which also are predominantly Babylonian, show a goddess holding the spouting vase. No. 217 . Syro-Hittite cylinder, of micaceous iron. Wrought with the point, worn but clear. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. A two-horned deity in a long garment lifts a vase, out of which two streams spout and fall into a lower vase. Before him is a worshipper in a turban, with hands folded, and behind him a similar figure with hand lifted. In three registers a griffin attacks a rabbit; below it a rope pattern; below which a lion attacks the head of an ibex. Perhaps 1800-1400 b.c. Said to have been found in the Hauran. No. 218 . Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, ij.y mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. 96 Flounced goddess holds a vase with two long streams, above which is a crescent. A worshipper, and a slave carrying a basket. A long ver¬ tical line bent in a crook at each end. One line of inscription reading “ Shamash Aa.” Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 219 . A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition. Length , 20 mm.; diameter of end , Qmm. A goddess in double tiara, and flounced dress, holds a vase, from which spout two streams. Behind her a female attendant with long hair falling over her shoulder, and before her the worshipper, with hand raised. A rope pattern, with a sphinx above and below. There are border lines. It is not usual to have the figure of Ishtar, instead of Gilgamesh or Ea, holding the spouting vase. Perhaps 1500 b. c. No. 220 . Cylinder probably of Syrian origin , butfollowing Babylonian types , of hematite. Wrought with the point and considerably worn. Length , 23 mm.; diameter of end , 11 mm. A flounced goddess in the sitting attitude, but with no seat, but in its place an uncertain animal, perhaps an ibex, and below her two crouched lions back to back. Before her an ibex, over an animal seated upright (ibex) and a fish; a worshipper with hands to her breast with three necklaces, followed by the goddess Aa. Behind the seated goddess an uncertain animal and a small nude figure, with one hand raised and one leg lifted. This peculiar cylinder does not seem to be from the Babylonian territory, and may be 1000 b. c. No. 221 . A Syrian (?) cylinder , of hematite; well wrought with the point and in excellent condition. Length , Ijmm.; diameter of end , 11mm. Gilgamesh, nude, without curls, with one hand holds up an ibex by the hind leg. Above the ibex a rabbit. Behind Gilgamesh a bird over a monkey seated upright. A griffin over a lion which lifts its paw towards the ibex. Martu faces his wife Shala, and between them is the sun in a crescent, and below a second monkey seated upright. This cylinder is reported to have been found at Bethshean in Pales¬ tine. Perhaps 1500 b.c. S 97 No. 222. A Syrian, or Syro-Hittite cylinder, of hematite. Wrought with the point and in good condition, exceptfor a small piece chipped out near the top. Length, 16 mm.; diameter of end, iomm. Within border lines a seated flounced goddess with head uncovered, holds a slender vase. Before her a crux ansata, the upper part of which is enclosed in a stand on which are two piles of six cakes in each pile. Before her a beardless worshipper in a long garment holds a spear with the point downward, under a star. Then comes Aa with hands raised, and before her a star over a “libra.” Behind Aa is a bull’s head over a hand. This cylinder is particularly interesting and seems to show a table with twelve loaves of “shewbread.” The hand is also a Syrian, or Phoe¬ nician emblem. This may be from 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 223. Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fairly good condition. Length, 14mm.; diameter of end, Qmm. A winged figure in a short loin-cloth, and necklaces, holds in one hand a wand bent at the end. On one side is the Babylonian Martu and Shala on the other. Below, on one side of the winged figure is a dove, and on the other a crux ansata. Two lines of inscription which show that it belonged to a servant of Ramman. This is said to have been found in the Hauran, and represents a period of Egyptian influence, from 1800 to 1400 b. c. No. 224. A Hittite or Syrian cylinder ofhematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Surface slightly concave. A man in short garment, and round head-dress, shoots an arrow at an ibex. Over the bow is a fish. A nude figure, with hands raised, bal¬ ances from his shoulders two pails or baskets. A “libra,” a bird, a goat’s head, a “libra.” A rabbit, over a griffin, over a seated victim, nude. This cylinder shows the nude figure carrying two heavy objects, like a Turkish hamal, hanging from a frame resting on the shoulder. The shooting with a long bow is also infrequent. From 1500 to 1000 b. c. The following cylinder is probably of a Syro-Hittite region, and is very peculiar as it is engraved in the reverse way on the cylinder to what is usual. 9 s 179 176 174 PLATE XXV • . ' , ■■ X v ' ' ■ . ; s. f ^ ■ 185 184 183 191 PLATE XXVI l! No. 225 . Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Finely wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, 20.y mm.; diameter of end, IO mm. The figures all run around the cylinder instead of vertically by its length. The winged disk over a knobbed column, on one side of which is a god with a turban, and hand raised; on the other side a bareheaded worshipper in same attitude, each in a garment reaching below the knees. Below this a second register with a lion attacked by two figures arranged symmetrically, with very short garments; one in a close cap with pompon and queue, seizes the lion by each paw; the other with cap (no pompon) with queue and bow on shoulder, seizes the lion behind with both hands. An exceedingly attractive and unusual cylinder, very peculiar for the direction of the design. A Seated Goddess We cannot be confident by what name the goddess represented on the three following cylinders was called. She seems to correspond to the Babylonian Bau, Gula or Belit, and to the later Asianic Ma. The cylinders are distinctly Syro-Hittite. No. 226 . Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought withpoint. Length, 28 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. In excellent condition except for a small break over one griffin. Within border lines two seated beardless figures facing each other symmetrically. Each wears a long simple garment, and each lifts a bent object with knob at the end. Between them is a stand resting on a stem, and at the top a table, on which are two flat objects, and, above, what may be meant for a flame. Above the two figures are two griffins facing. Behind the seated figure are two symmetrical standing figures in simple dress with hands on the breast. Above them a rope pattern, and on each side of their heads a hand. Below is a “libra.” This is a very attractive design. It may be 1000 b. c. No. 227 . Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, IJ mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. A seated goddess in a high hat holds a long rod and a serpent. Over her a small crescent. A female figure with two long flat horns 99 approaches holding a flower (?) in one hand. A heraldic eagle, over a rope pattern over a bull (?). It is particularly interesting here to observe the serpent held in the hand of the goddess. Perhaps 1500-1200 b. c. Said to have been found in the Hauran. No. 228 . A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point and drill. Length , 22 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. Closely and well engraved. Within border lines the design shows two registers. In the upper two beardless deities are seated before a tall slender vase, out of which spout two streams which fall over into their hands. Behind one of the deities stands a worshipper with hand lifted; before the other four marching figures in a short garment approach. In the lower register under the two deities are two sphinxes reclining with a star between them. Under the marching figures a kneeling naked beardless figure seizes a humped bull by the horns. This excellent and very characteristic Hittite cylinder is in good condition, except that the upper end is slightly battered so as to obscure the streams from the vase. The humped ox is peculiar. It may be of 1000 to 1400 b. c. The Hittite Supreme God There appear to be three important differentiated deities, or four, if we include the seated goddess, worshipped by the Hittites, and whose worship, doubtless under various names, was common from the Euphrates to the Syrian coast, and all of whom seem to have been adopted by the Babylonians. Of these the principal supreme god would seem to be the origin of the Babylonian “Western” god Martu, while the second, the god of thunder and storm, was accepted as the corresponding Adad with the thunderbolt; and the third, the naked goddess, may have been the original of Zirbanit. The first of these deities we see figured in the eight cylinders which immediately follow, of which the first is a very remark¬ able cylinder, and contains all three of them. He is a dignified god, who stands in an attitude of authority, dressed in a garment reaching below his knees and having one leg exposed. One arm hangs down behind him, while the other hand is raised to his breast. Sometimes he carries a weapon, as if at rest, and only rarely raised for action. The weapon may IOO be an axe, a spear, or such a serpent weapon, as in Nos. 234 and 235, which suggests that he may also be the origin of the Babylonian Marduk with his scimitar, which was originally a serpent. We do not certainly know his Hittite name, but it may have been Tarkhu, which corre¬ sponds to the biblical name Terah. No. 229 . Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, 2Q mm.; diameter of end , 15 mm. Slightly concave. The god Teshub, nearly nude, with a long queue down his back, and wearing a pointed helmet, stands on three mountains, lifts in one hand a club over his head, and holds in the other perhaps two weapons, one a throw-stick and the other which has a handle in the middle. Next the Hittite goddess, with body, mostly nude, in front view, but with face in profile towards Teshub. Her flounced long garment is held by bands crossed over and under her shoulders, and is drawn back by a band on her hip to expose her body. She lifts in one hand a high vase with a handle. Above the pitcher a dove, and between the goddess and the god are a head, a crux ansata, and a seated monkey. Next is the chief Hittite god, in a high rounded hat, and with a garment reaching below the knees, with one leg advanced. Between him and the goddess are the head of an ox and a hand. The remaining space is in three registers, first, two deities seated before a spouting vase, from which the stream rises and falls into a vase held in the hand of each; then under them a braided guilloche and last three small figures turned toward Teshub, the first with her hand raised. This is an extraordinarily fine cylinder and admirably illustrates the way of wearing the garments. Perhaps 1500 to 1200 b. c. No. 230 . A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Finely wrought with the point, and in excellent preservation. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 10.5mm. Surface slightly concave. The principal Hittite god, probably Tarkhu, in the usual short- ribbed undergarment, covered with the longer robe which exposes a leg, and in a tall conical hat, lifts one hand while the other rests on a spear. Facing him a goddess in long robe and high squat hat, is followed by a female worshipper in a long garment, apparently with a long veil from the head-dress falling over her shoulder. Three marching figures in short garment ribbed and arranged as a wide breech-cloth, follow the god, while above and behind them is the rope pattern. T JOI This beautiful and finely cut cylinder is of particular value for the study of Hittite dress, male and female. No. 231 . A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with thepoint, and in excel¬ lent condition. Length , ig mm.; diameter of end t 70 mm. A stout column, with two sets of cross lines, and two thickened por¬ tions at the top, bears a slender handled pitcher, above which is the sun in the crescent. On each side facing it a figure of the principal Hittite god, probably Tarkhu, with the Hittite high hat. Behind the right hand figure an upright bird, over a small object, over the crux ansata. A goddess, probably the wife of the god, with a two-horned hat. The remainder is in two registers, a rope pattern over a goddess seated in a chair, holding a vase, before whom is a vertical scorpion and also a female worshipper with hand lifted. This excellent cylinder has Egyptian elements as well as Hittite. May be from 1400 to 1200 b. c. No. 232 . Hittite cylinder of a black , slaty stone , surface slightly concave. Wrought with the point, of fair condition, but cracked. Lengthy 21 mm.; diameter of end , 11 mm. Rope pattern over a scorpion, over a very stout bird; a star, or probably sun, over an arrow-shaped column. On each side the Hittite chief god, Tarkhu, perhaps, stands, in his garment reaching below the knees, and his high hat. A worshipper follows with hand lifted, and wearing a turban. The arrow-like column resembles one of the characters in the Hittite hieroglyphic system. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b.c. No. 233 . Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the pointy and in good condition. Lengthy 2$ mm.; diameter of end , 12mm. A principal Hittite god holds a spear downward in one hand and with the other lifted hand holds an axe; behind him are a small flounced worshipper, and a small altar. Before him a large altar, and a figure in long flounced garment lifts a vase; a griffin attacks an ibex, over a rope pattern, over an ibex couchant. Border lines. An unusually instructive cylinder, as it shows this god in a militant attitude. 1500-1000 b.c. 102 PLATE XXVII . ■ . ' - . V 205 PLATE XXV111 203 No. 234 . Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, IJ mm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. A god in long garment, with one leg advanced, carries in his left hand a serpent (or lituus). Before him a goddess in flounced garment like Aa. Next, in three registers separated by lines, are a seated lion and a sphinx; then the rope pattern; and below two lions facing each other. Perhaps 1500 to 1200 b. c. No. 235 . A Hittite cylinder. Hematite. Very finely cut with the point. Length, 21 mm.; dia?neter of end, IJ mm. Within the border lines close to the edge is a crowded, close design. A stout god in a short garment faces to the right. One hand falls behind him, and in the other he holds a wand bent at the end. He corresponds to the Babylonian Ramman, and may be the Hittite god Tarkhu. Before him a smaller kneeling Gilgamesh attacks two animals, perhaps ibexes, reversed, seizing them by the neck. Under him is a griffin seated. The remaining design shows two registers separated by a braided pattern which bends up at the left, changing to a rope pattern. Above it are two seated symmetrical sphinxes, each with a paw raised; underneath a small Eabani lifts an ibex by the neck, and two lions face each other with paw lifted. This is one of the most beautiful and perfect of the Hittite type. It may be 1800-1000 b. c. There is reason to believe that these cylinders, with their Egyptian as well as Babylonian (never Assyrian) influence, may some of them go back even to the period of the twelfth Egyptian dynasty. No. 236 . A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair conditio n. Length, IJ mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. A god with garment reaching below the knee, one leg advanced, holds in his right hand a club, the left hand behind him. A beardless apparently female worshipper in a long fringed garment lifts one hand. Between them a vase over a “ libra.” A winged kneeling figure,in a long garment, with one hand raised, over a lion; both before a high slender column which divides at the top into two short curves outward; it is faced on the other side by a seated griffin over a seated lion. This excellent cylinder probably represents the worship of the principal Hittite deity. Probably 1800 to 1400 b. c. 103 The Storm-god Teshub The Hittite storm-god, Teshub, is the Babylonian and Assyrian Adad, represented there with the thunderbolt, which was a Babylonian weapon from the earliest times, but not familiar to Hittite art. He walks on mountains, carries various weapons, in the attitude of war, and wears a pointed helmet, and only a short garment about the body, leaving the legs bare. His weapon is usually a club, but he carries also others, as an axe, bow or sling. With one hand he leads by a cord a bull held by a ring in its nose. The weapons indicate that he is the god of lightning, and the bellowing bull that he is the god of thunder. The mountains on which he stands, as in Nos. 229, 237, indicate that these are the home of storms. He seems to correspond to the Hebrew Yahveh, and he is figured in the Egyptian monuments as the Syrian god Resheph. In No. 241 we have Teshub as an ashera. In the jade cylinder No. 242 he appears in an Egyptian form. No. 237 . A Hittite cylinder ., Hematite. Length , 24 mm.; diameter of end, Ij mm. Very finely cut with the point. The principal figure is the Hittite god Teshub, corresponding to the Babylonian Adad. He wears his characteristic dress, a very short tunic and a pointed helmet, and stands on the mountains. In his right hand he lifts a club, while his left hand holds three objects, one a flower like a lotus, another a serpent held by the neck, and the third a cord attached to the nose of a crouching bull. A second figure is a goddess who draws her skirt away on both sides to expose her nudity. She stands over the bull. A third figure is a goddess like Aa in long flounced garment and hands raised. Two small flounced female figures stand over the rope pattern, within which is the crouching lion. In the field are a star, the sun in a crescent, and, repeated, a small bird, a rabbit’s head and a star. This is an unusually well preserved and interesting cylinder, of the purely Hittite style. Probably 1500 b. c. No. 238 . Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point , and in good condition. Length , 22 mm.; diameter of end, Q mm. Adad in his spiked helmet, long curled queue and short loin-cloth, lifts behind him a club, and with the other hand holds an axe and bow (or throw-stick) and leads ahull. Before him is a beardless worshipper. 104 apparently a woman, with hand raised. Between them are the sun in crescent, a star, the seven dots, a bird, a crux ansata, and, below, a helix pattern. There are three lines of filiary inscription which read: NU-UM-MI-LI SON OF NI-I-BU SERVANT OF RAMMAN. This is an admirable cylinder, and gives one of the best existing illustrations of Teshub, as one of the principal Hittite gods. Perhaps 1500 b. c. No. 239 . Syro-Hittite cylinder ofhematite. Well wrought 'with the 'wheel, and in good condition. Length, 24 mm.; diameter of end , 10 mm. Within border lines,a seated goddess holdsavase. Before her a nearly nude figure, probably a god, holds a club in one hand and a sling in the other, and wears a two-horned hat; then a second similar figure with only a club; and then two worshippers with hand raised, in long garments. Above is a circle with enclosed cross to represent the sun, and a rope pattern made of circles, also a star. There is a break in the stone in the lower body of one of the worshippers. The sling is very rare, and suggests Egyptian influence. Perhaps 1000-800 b. c. No. 240 . A Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Coarsely engraved with point and wheel. In good condition. Length, 16 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. The god Teshub or Adad, in short banded garment, one hand lifted behind him; the other carrying a weapon with knob at each end; before him a worshipper. A figure with two wings, and before it a figure in short, protruding apron of Egyptian style. A star. This cylinder shows both Egyptian and Hittite elements, and is probably Syrian or Phoenician, and may have been of 1000 b. c. No. 241 . A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, ig mm.; diameter of end, g mm. An ashera, with three long arrow points above it, above which is the head of Adad, or Teshub. Behind a long-skirted beardless figure in a square feminine hat, above which is a dove. Before it a small column, or altar, with a flame, and a female worshipper in a tall square hat, followed by a crux ansata below, and a female worshipper, with a veil before her face; a vertical line separates from a column of four rosettes. Border lines. It is very interesting to see Adad thus in the form of a herm, or ashera. 1500-800 b. c. No. 242 . This cylinder, probably of a region neighboring to Assyria, is of jade. Length, 34. mm.; diameter of end , 13mm. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. A god like Adad, or Teshub, in a short garment, low rounded hat, holding in the left hand a scimitar, and lifting in the right the Egyptian emblem of stability instead of a thunderbolt, stands on a humped bull. Facing him is Marduk with his scimitar. A seated bearded flounced god holds a peculiar sceptre, the top of which is a succession of small angles. Before him a small beardless figure in a long checkered garment presents a goat. This cylinder is remarkable for its material, of jade, which must have been found in Asia Minor. The work is peculiar, and there are Egyptian elements. Perhaps from loop to 500 b. c. The Nude Goddess Ishkhara The nude goddess, who corresponds to the Babylonian Ishtar, and yet may be the original of the Babylonian Zirbanit, may with much probability be identified as Ishkhara. We see her in Nos. 243, 244, apparently nude, but really represented as drawing aside her garments to expose her person; and yet the appearance is that of a double skipping- rope. In Nos. 229, 245,weseeher with the garment mainly withdrawn. Her symbolic animal is the bull, or more probably cow, on which she sometimes stands; and this suggests that she is the wife of Teshub, although such a cylinder as No. 252 looks as if she might be the wife of the principal god. This latter supposition is supported by the fact that the nude Zirbanit is the wife of Marduk, who was derived from the principal Hittite god. The goddess over the cow in No. 247 and under a canopy, must be the same, and she appears also in No. 248, and it is very likely she that appears clothed in the succeeding numbers. It is probably she that we see in the feminine square hat and armed in No. 252. No. 243 . Syro-Hittite cylinder, said to have comefrom the Hauran, of hema¬ tite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition, except somewhat chipped. Length, 20mm.; diameter of end, 10mm. 106 217 PLATE XXIX 214 - 227 225 224 223 230 226 PLATE XXX 228 v-> Two bareheaded figures in long garment face each other, one with hand lifted, the other with hand extended. Between them a circle in a crescent, over a seated monkey. A nude kneeling figure, under a dove, has hand extended towards a lion on which stands the nude goddess with garment drawn back; rabbit and star; border lines. Perhaps 1500-1200 b. c. No. 244. Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition. Lengthy 16 mm.; diameter of end , 8 mm. A seated goddess in a flounced dress lifts in her hand a slender vase with two handles. The nude goddess with garment withdrawn; a cres¬ cent on each side of her head, and an animal head at her feet. A god with garment reaching to the ankles, and behind him a flying dove over a fish. Two small undefined objects. This cylinder seems to show three Hittite deities, and may be 1400 b. c. No. 245. Syro-Egyptian cylinder , of hematite. Wrought with the pointy and in good condition. Lengthy 22 mm.; diameter of end, 11 mm. Border lines. Raised on a platform is a female figure, with both hands raised, and one bare leg fully exposed; also before her a small female nude figure. Approaching them is the principal god like Martu, with one hand advanced. Above are the crescent and the Egyptian vul¬ ture, while below is the crux ansata. The remainder is in two registers. In the upper are two flounced seated figures, each holding a bent object in the hand; below are two kneeling nude figures, each under a canopy. This cylinder is said to have been found in the Hauran, and it has clear Egyptian influence, and wrought of a period 1800 to 1500 b. c. No. 246. Syro-Hittite cylinder. Hematite. Length, IQ mm.; diameter of end , IO mm. There are two designs on this cylinder. One shows a seated deity either bearded, or a goddess with a necklace of diverging pendants (such as a seated goddess often wears), holding a vase in the lifted hand. A worshipper approaches carrying in one hand an object like the “ libra.” Between them, above, is a running rabbit. The other design shows us a Hittite goddess standing on a bull, and with a canopy rising behind and reaching over her head. This is the same goddess whom we elsewhere see nude on the bull. Before her is another deity much like the Baby¬ lonian Ramman. In the field are the “libra,” and under it the vase of Aquarius, a small bird and the head of an ibex. This interesting cylinder is in good condition, and may be 1000 b. c. No. 247. A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, iymm.; diameter of end, Qmm. Within border lines, two similar figures of a goddess facing, under a double arch. They have long flounced robes and their arms fall by their sides. A short skirted god holds up a rod or spear. A rabbit (?) over a rope pattern, over a lion. A rod with thickened ends over a very slender vase. Another object like a weapon. The goddess under the arch is probably the same as the nude Hittite goddess which occasionally has the arch over her. No. 248. A Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, igmm.; diameter of end, iomm. 4 Design within close border lines. God in short garment, and appar¬ ently an Egyptian head-dress, holds a caduceus. A female figure in flounced dress, and with a heavy head-dress falling behind, carries a bull (?) over a swan. A column over a sphinx. Perhaps iooo b. c. No. 249. A Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition. Length, i$mm.; diameter of end, 8mm. Design enclosed in border lines; a vertical rope pattern enclosed in double lines. A cedar tree with a two-winged figure approaching on each side, followed by a single worshipper with hands folded. A slender vase, and perhaps a small hand. This peculiar cylinder may be of about iooo b. c. No. 250. Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with thepoint, and much worn. A smallfragment lost at top. Length, 20 mm.; diameter of end, iomm. Within border lines a winged goddess whose lower body is drawn together, as if columnar, and resting on a base, or legs crossed and nude. On each side of her a worshipper; long garment, arms folded. Between them a seated monkey. A griffin and a rope pattern, over a humped bull walking. 108 Probably the goddess has her legs crossed, a peculiar form of this Hittite goddess, and reminding one of the bizarre figures, probably later, of a deity with crossed, or doubly crossed legs. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 251. Hittite cylinder of hematite, wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, IJ mm.; diameter of end, g ?nm. The design is within border lines, and shows a bearded god, in gar¬ ment below the knees, wearing a turban, holding a bent weapon like a throw-stick, or boomerang. A beardless figure, in long dress, faces him in the attitude of worship, and a second follows the god. There is a bird over the rope pattern, over a crouched ibex—also two “libras,” and ' a star. The two “libras” are unusual, and we miss the vase which would invariably accompany the “libra” in Babylonian art. Probably 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 252. Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought finely with the point, and in excellent conditio?!. Length, 26 mm.; diameter of end, 10 . 5 mm. A winged goddess in a square hat, naked except for a fringed loin¬ cloth, holds in one hand a long dagger vertically over a running nearly nude figure which also holds a dagger. Before her the principal Hittite god in a high hat holds in his hand the throw-stick. Small Gilgamesh in front view seizes a lion from behind; above and below them is the braided pattern. This is an extraordinarily beautiful and elaborate cylinder valuable for the figure of two of the principal deities, and the finely drawn braided guilloche. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b. c. The Bull-altar A class of cylinders which may be included with the Syro-Hittite is to be seen in the following six numbers. Hitherto they have not been recognized and studied. They seem to be found in all the region from Mesopotamia to the Mediterranean, and I purchased one from a native at Arbela. They give us usually as the principal or only scene what is evidently an image, or idol, of a bull, like the golden calf of Scripture, but probably, from the apparent size, of bronze. There is a projecting point, as if it were a flame, rising from the back of the bull, which sug¬ gests that there may be a fire inside. When we see in No. 255 two arms w iog also reaching out from the chest of the bull, we can hardly help recalling how, according to the Bible, children were burnt to Moloch by the neighboring nations. We have no literary evidence that Moloch was represented by a bull, but neither is there any against it. Moloch as well as Yahveh may have been represented by a bull, and may be identical, under another name, with Adad, or Teshub. No. 253. Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in fair condition. Length, 16 . 5 mm.; dia?neter of end, Qmm. A bull-altar with flame. Two flounced figures approach, with Aa between them. Perhaps 1000 b. c. No. 254. Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, Ijmm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. A bull-altar, over a lion. Three worshippers and a vertical serpent. Perhaps 1500-1000 b. c. No. 255. Syro-Hittite cylinder of hematite. Veryfinely wrought withthe point, and crowded with minute figures. The upper portion broken off, but mostly pre¬ served. Somewhat worn. Length of portion remaining, 16 mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. The heads of the upper figures are lost in the fracture. A seated flounced deity has two lions under her seat and feet. She holds a vase. Before her knees a slender altar, with circle, at the top. Then before the deity, who occupies the entire length of the cylinder, is a small wor¬ shipper in the upper portion, holding a vase. Then Adad, with foot on a bull led by a cord, occupies full length, and two very small figures are before him. Then follows a horizontal platform, with the ends turned up square and ending in snakes’ heads, apparently, supported underneath by two figures with arms uplifted, and on it the seat of a god supported by two lions, and about the god a vase, two birds and other indistinct objects. Next, above, a stand in a square construction, beyond which is a bull-altar, with two arms reaching out from the breast. Under it a lion. This is one of the most remarkable cylinders extant. It is to be com¬ pared, for the smaller seated deity, with the figure of the sun-god on a boat in Jeremias’s “Das Alte Testament,” p. 437. We seem here to see the throne of the deity supported by a “firmament” and with support- IIO 237 PLATE XXXI 233 ing figures, as in Ezekiel. We also have the bull-altar with protruding arms, as if to hold the infant offered to Moloch. This makes us suspect that this bull is a bronze altar, hollow, and perhaps of the kind of which we are told that infants were offered upon. The fire would have been within the body of the bull, and the child in the arms. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 256. A Syro-Hitt ite cylinder. Hematite. Wrought with the point. Length, 15 mm.; diameter ofend, Q mm. Lather coarsely engraved,but in good condition. The design shows what is called the bull-altar, shaped like a bull, with stiff legs, and having a very artificial body and a conical object, perhaps a flame, rising from above the rear portion of the body. Before it stand two kneeling figures, apparently nude. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 257. Syro-Hittite cylinder of black slaty stone. Length, iymm.; diameter of end, Q m 7 n. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. The bull-altar stands over a scorpion. Three figures in long garments approach, each with hand raised in the attitude of worship. This may be from 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 258. A Syro-Babylonian cylinder of hematite. Said to have been found in Antarados, in Syria. Wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. A beardless deity, in a flounced dress and low cap, holds a slender vase. There approach three figures, each with a hand raised, in flounced garment. The middle one has a low cap, while the two others have a two-horned head-dress. The remaining design shows what may be called the bull-shaped altar, with a slender triangular flame (?) from the back; and under it an ibex lying down and with head turned back. Perhaps 1500 to 1000 b. c. The Winged Disk with Rays Two cylinders are here classed, although of different style of engrav¬ ing, one with the point, and the other with the wheel, because they agree in presenting the winged solar disk with rays in place of the usual bird’s tail. One cannot but recall that in the time of the Heretic King of Egypt the monotheistic worship of the solar disk was required with rays ending III in hands. No. 259 is Syrian and may be as old as the Nineteenth Egyptian dynasty, but the other would appear to be of Assyrian influence and later. No. 259. Syro-Hittite cylinder of black serpentine. Wrought with the point, and somewhat worn, but clear. Length, 21 mm.; dia?neter of end , 10 m?n. This cylinder has strong Egyptian features. A seated deity, with perhaps an armed head, has the hands extended towards what may be a small human figure standing by a column of dots surmounted by the winged disk, from the lower part of which are four streamers, each ending in a dot. On the other side of the column a standing figure, with an animal-like head, with one hand lifts an ibex, or goat, by the horn. There is also a slender simple tree, and some dots. The lines falling from the disk suggest the solar disk as worshipped by the Heretic King of Egypt, Khuenaten. Perhaps this suggests the origin of his symbol, and this may be 1500-1400 b. c., or even earlier. Said to have been found in the Hauran. No. 260. Assyrian cylinder of jade-like chalcedony. Wrought with the wheel, and in excellent condition. Length, 28 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Within border lines a worshipper in simple garment, hand raised. A star over a lozenge, over a fish, over an antelope. The winged disk over a lion attacking an antelope. The crescent over a star, eight dots, over a scorpion. Perhaps 1000 to 600 b. c. Hittite Cylinders Wrought with the Drill Like the last number the three cylinders which follow are wrought with the drill and are of particular interest as showing examples of the three types of tools used for engraving. One was a larger or smaller rounded burr; another was a disk, the edge of which was used to engrave straight lines; while the third was a hollow cylinder used to engrave circles and, by tipping it, crescents. No. 261. A Hittite cylinder of dark green jasper. Coarsely wrought with the wheel, and in excellent condition. Length, ig mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. A wheel enclosing a star, supported on a vertical and a standing line; on each side a crouched animal. Seven dots, over rope pattern of circles over an antelope. Other uncertain objects. Border lines. 112 This cylinder affords an admirable example of the tools used in engraving by the drill or revolving disk. No. 262. Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the wheel, and in excellent condition. Length, i 8 .y?nm.; diameter of end, 8 mm. Within border lines a frog, and a dog, over a scorpion; a scorpion over an ibex couchant, over an uncertain object; a scorpion over a winged animal, over a fish. This cylinder excellently shows the use of three sorts of tools, the burr, or drill, the edge of the revolving disk, and the tube which makes the circles or crescents, as in the tails of the scorpions and animals. Perhaps 1000 to 600 b. c. No. 263. Hittite cylinder. Hematite. Wrought with the drill; slightly convex. Length, 15 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. A cuttle-fish (looking like a tree with six branches); scorpion over a crouching animal; two circles with a central point over a griffin; the figure of the nude goddess Zirbanit; three circles in a chain over the head of an ibex and a crouching ibex. This cylinder is in excellent condition and admirably illustrates the use of three separate tools in engraving. The cuttle-fish is not usual, and comes from the Mycenaean art. Perhaps 1000 b. c. A few miscellaneous cylinders are best included, which, except the last, belong to the Syro-Hittite region. No. 268 would be suspected as spurious, but some much like it seem to be proved genuine. No. 264. Hittite cylinder of hematite. Finely wrought with the point, and in excellent condition. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end, 10 mm. Above, a continuous braided guilloche enclosed in border lines; border line below. Two seated winged lion-sphinxes face each other, each with one paw raised; above the wing of each a star, and above their raised paws a winged disk, and below a head of the goddess Belit, or Ninkharshag; over their tails a rabbit, and under them the head of a gazelle. This is a beautiful cylinder, and may be from 1400 to 1000 b. c. No. 265. Hittite cylinder of hematite. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, Ip mm.; diameter of end, 12 mm. Gilgamesh nude, in front view, with a stream from each shoulder or from a vase held in his hands at his breast. On each side of his head a star, and, below, on one side a hand, and on the other a fish and a head. Facing him on each side is a sphinx with the body of a lion, wings and human head. The remaining space is occupied with a flying dove and a running ibex over a hand and a lion, and a small indeterminate object. This admirable object may be of 1500 to 1000 b. c. No. 266 . A Hitt it e cylinder, of hematite, engraved with the point, but much worn, and apart of the lower end imperfect. Length, 18 mm.; dia?neter of end, 11 mm. An ibex and a winged lion (?) over a rope pattern, over two (?) crouching lions. A column with a human face, resting on a lion, and over it a bird. At a little distance on each side stands a figure, one male in a short dress, the other female in a long garment, each with hand extended; above one’s hand a star, above the other the sun as a cross, in a crescent. A small rabbit’s head, and other small worn objects. This cylinder is interesting for the human-headed column, an infre¬ quent object which is one of the characters in the Hittite hieroglyphics. No. 267 . Of uncertain nationality, probably belonging to one of the outlying Assyrian regions. White marble. Length, 26 mm.; diameter of end, 12mm. Considerably worn. Wrought with the drill. The design is confused and rude, and is coarsely engraved. Above are five birds in a row walking, a man, a bird flying, and a star (or sun) consisting of eight rays each ending in a dot. Below are three small animals, over two similar stars and a lion, also two men, one of whom attacks an ibex. Some other uncertain objects. This cylinder belongs to a rude type, of uncertain provenance, and is hardly of 1000 b. c. No. 268 . A cylinder of uncertain provenance, of soft greenish gray serpentine. Length, 25 mm.; diameter of etid, 11 mtn. In good condition, but rudely cut. Two figures facing each other. Each has a short beard. One has a short wide garment and holds an uncertain object in the hands, which looks like a doll. The other has a long, flounced garment. There is a vertical crescent, and also three lines of inscription. This looks like a forgery, but is probably genuine, belonging to some rude province. Probably of the latest period. 114 248 250 252 PLATE XXXIII 260 PLATE XXXIV ■ SABEAN CYLINDERS T HERE are in all but six cylinders known which contain Sa- bean inscriptions, and of those the two following are in this collection; of the others there is one each in the Metropolitan Museum, the British Museum, the Bibliotheque Nationale and the Museum of the Hague. They represent the art of Arabia, or at least its influence, but affected by that of Assyria. No. 269 . Sabean cylinder, of carnelian. Engraved with the wheel, and in good condition. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end, Jmm. A winged disk over one line of Sabean inscription. Facing it are two bearded figures with long, simple garments, with hands reached forward; a third worshipper behind one of them; also a star, a dagger, and a “libra.” The five letters may read: Adalbash. Perhaps 600 b. c. No. 270 . Cylinder of Assyrian type, but with a Sabean inscription, of car¬ nelian. Wrought with the point and wheel. Length, 22 mm.; diameter of end, 11 .5 mm. The storm-god Adad stands on a bull, and holds one hand up, while the other holds a trident. Before him a worshipper followed by a winged genius holding a basket. Behind the god a similar genius. A star, a cres¬ cent, and seven dots representing the Igigi. A line of five Sabean letters may read: Dhalbara’ Perhaps 600 b. c. « PHOENICIAN INSCRIPTIONS T HE following cylinders contain a Phoenician inscription. No. 271 is of purely Assyrian type. Nos. 272, 273 are minute and set as ear-rings, and difficult to read. No. 271 . Assyrian cylinder of chalcedony. Wrought 'with wheel and point, and in good condition. Length , 21 mm.; diameter of end , gmm. A god, in long Assyrian dress, rushes forward and with one hand seizes an ibex by the horn; the other hand seizes by the leg an ibex only partly engraved, the space being taken by a Phoenician inscription of five or six letters, reading: M ... melek. Phoenician inscriptions are rare. Perhaps 600 b. c. No. 272 . A Phoenician cylinder , set in an ear-ring , the mate to No. 273. Length , gmm.; diameter of one end , 4.3 mm.; the other end is rounded. In excellent condition. An inscription of three lines of Phoenician letters. Perhaps 500 b. c. No. 273 . A Phoenician cylinder set in an ear-ring; the mate to No. 2J2, but has a different inscription. Length , gmm.; diameter of one end , 4.3 mm.; the other end rounded. An inscription of three lines of Phoenician letters. Perhaps 500 b. c. Il6 PERSIAN CYLINDERS T HE Assyrian and Babylonian types pass over into the later Persian of the Akhasmenian period. Among the characteristics are the trowsers shown in No. 276, the long wings of the solar disk shown in No. 275, and the peculiar fire-altar shown in No. 278. No. 274 . Persian cylinder of a pinkish gray stone. Length, 27 mm.; diameter of end , 11 mm. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. A god in Persian garment attacks with a knife a rampant lion. The winged disk over a large wheel, with seven wedges for spokes, and the wheel covered with points. Perhaps 500 b. c. No. 275 . Persian cylinder of light banded agate. Well wrought with the wheel. In excellent condition. Length, 24mm.; diameter of end, 7mm. Of barrel shape. The winged disk, with long wings after the Persian style. Below, the crescent, extending to a complete circle, and within it the bust of the moon-god Sin. On each side a winged sphinx rampant, with body of a bull, and head and arms human, lifts its arms as if to support the wing of the disk. This is a beautiful cylinder, and may be of 600-500 b. c. No. 276 . Persian, or possibly Syro-Hittite cylinder of reddish sard, approach¬ ing carnelian. Wrought with the wheel, and in good condition. Length, 22mm.; diameter of end, 10mm. Close border lines. The pattern is divided in the middle, and the design as seen on one half is repeated, reversed, on the other half, so as to duplicate the design. The upper part of two winged sphinxes, back to back, and facing the upper part of a four-winged figure. Also the head of a bull. This is a unique design, and very interesting. Perhaps 600 b. c. No. 277 . Persian or late Babylonian cylinder, of lapis lazuli. Wrought with the point, somewhat corroded, but in fair condition. Length, 33 mm.; diameter of end, 14mm. A worshipper in long Babylonian dress (not Persian) stands before a winged scorpion, on a line. Also a long-winged solar disk, Persian in type, over a goat-fish, or capricorn, on a line. The capricorn is the symbol of Ea. The winged scorpion appears on the boundary stones with a bow, as Sagittarius. Probably 500 b. c. No. 278 . Probably a Persian cylinder of hematite. Length, 18 mm.; diameter of end, 3mm. Barrel-shaped. Fairly well cut, and in excellent condition. A bareheaded worshipper, in a long simple garment, holds a branch, or baresma, before what appears to be the image of a god supported on a low stand. The deity appears to have a short beard, a low cap with a plume, long Persian trowsers, tassels falling from under the shoulders, and to hold a ring in the hand. Behind the deity is a fire-altar, shaped much like one on a cylinder in the Pauvert-de la Chapelle collection in the Bibliotheque Nationale, and on the altar is what looks like a great eye. Perhaps 400 or 500 b. c. Wild Animals The four cylinders which follow may belong to the Persian or late Assyrian periods, but they exhibit a vigor and life in the art which hardly seem Persian. It may be that they come from one of the outlying provinces. No. 279 . Cylinder from the outlying regions of Assyria, of rose quartz. Wrought with the point, but perhaps slightly sophisticated by a modern dealer; somewhat battered at the lower end but otherwise in good condition. Length, 21 mm.; diameter of end, 11mm. A nude bearded archer kneeling, shoots a deer, or bull. A bird flies down from above. The material of this is attractive and quite unusual. This cylinder is hardly Assyrian, but belongs to some of the neighboring countries, but it is impossible to say which one. Perhaps 600 b. c. • ' tit* ’ • ' ' ■ . • • Is: - ‘i - ■ 273 282 2 77 276 278 279 274 / 281 275 280 PLATE XXXVI . ■ ■ - . ■ ' ' • No. 280 . Assyrian or Persian cylinder, of chalcedony. Wrought with point, and in good condition. Lengthy 28mm.; diameter of end y 10mm. A large tree with irregular trunk and rounded head; beside it three slender branches, or reeds, and a leaping stag. This is an extremely attractive cylinder, as the stag is admirably conceived. It may be questioned whether this may not belong to one of the neighboring regions outside of Assyria or Persia. Perhaps 700- 500 b. c. No. 281 . Perhaps a Persian cylinder, of chalcedony. Well wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length , 25 mm.; diameter of end , Ijmm. Only a humped bull. The bull walks along the length of the design, and is excellently drawn. Perhaps 500 b. c. No. 282 . A North Assyrian cylinder of red and white brecciated jasper. Wrought with the point, and in good condition. Length, jomm.; diameter of end, 14mm. A lion attacking a bull, which kicks back. This is a very vigorous design, most admirably drawn. It does not seem to be either Assyrian or Persian, and the date is doubtful. Perhaps 600 b. c. SCARABOIDS T HE scaraboid form developed in the region of Phoenicia and Syria from the Egyptian scarab. They are oval, with a flat face for the design, and the back convex. A small perforation, as in scarabs, provides for suspension. The designs on them are of the general nature of those on Assyrian cylinders or cone seals. They probably be¬ long, for the most part, to the comparatively late period of the later Egyptian dynasties. Our principal evidence of date is derived from the rare Phoenician inscriptions, none of which are older than 1000 b. c. No. 283. Rose-colored chalcedony. 24 mm. by 20 mm. The standing goddess Ishtar, precisely as on the Assyrian cylinders, in a long garment, one leg advanced, hand raised to receive the worshipper. The upper part of the body is enclosed in a circle of close dots, and a larger circle of separated dots surrounds the inner one. The worshipper in a long garment stands with hand raised in adoration. This well-engraved seal is somewhat worn, but clear. The design is wholly Assyrian, and the seal may be of the seventh or eighth century b. c. No. 284. Brownish dark gray stone. Lengthy 24 mm.; diameter of end , ig mm. A purely Egyptian figure stands with both hands raised,in a garment reaching below the knees. In front of the figure are two small objects, the upper one a bird and the lower perhaps a lotus. Behind the figure is an inscription of five Phoenician letters, which reads: “Arbadi,” the name of the owner. The shape of the letters allows this to be as old as the eight or ninth century b. c. 120 ASSYRIAN CONE SEALS W HILE these bear the name of Assyrian cone seals, it does not follow that they are strictly Assyrian, or, many of them, strictly cones. If their use began in the very latest period of the Assyrian Empire, it prevailed after the fall of the Babylonian Empire, but generally following the Assyrian motives and style of art. The true cylinder seal occasionally had one end reduced and the per¬ forations bored transversely through it; and out of these was derived, by a natural evolution, the simpler cone seal which bears its design on the end. Occasionally, however, the cone seal has a design also on the side, as with cylinders. Included in the following numbers, are some excel¬ lent specimens of these so-called cone seals. No. 285. Saphirine , or blue chalcedony. This seal has a flattened octagonal section, with convex face, on which stands a worshipper in long garment, head bare, and hand raised before two asheras, the nearer one that of Nebo, and the other that of Marduk. On one of the flattened sides is engraved a winged bull. This is an unusually deep-colored saphirine, and is cut carefully, and mainly with the free hand, so that the symbol of Marduk is distinctly defined with the triangular head. The silver ring which passed through the orifice is preserved, although oxidized and broken. No. 286. Saphirine , with the flattened octagonal section. The orifice is still filled with the copper ring. On the convex face is the figure of a worshipper in a long garment, bareheaded, before the ashera of the god Nusku, which consists of a lamp-stand, on which is a lamp, Nusku being the god of fire. This is an unusual design and an admirable example of the symbol of the god. No. 287. Black slaty stone , with an oval section , and has designs on the face and on each side. z 121 On the somewhat convex face a worshipper in a long garment stands with hand raised before an altar in the form of a table with crossed legs and covered,with a table-cloth which hangs down on each side, and on which are offerings. Above are the crescent and star, emblems of Sin and Ishtar, and beyond the table is an ashera, the attribution of which to a definite god is uncertain. On one side is an animal with young suckling, under a star and crescent; and on the other side the asheras of Marduk and Nebo stand on their characteristic composite animal. No. 288. A gray stone , with nearly square face and the corners truncated. The design, which is rather rudely cut, shows a goddess on a chair, with hand raised, before four wavy vertical lines, or columns, which cannot well be identified as being the emblems of a known deity. This seal would hardly seem to be purely Assyrian or Babylonian, but may be Syrian. No. 289. Saphirine , with an oval section and a convex face. A column with branching lines at the top and two short lines from it each side; a goat rampant on each side, with head turned back. Well cut and in fine condition. No. 290. Saphirine , with oval section. A column with an acorn-shaped top, attached apparently by a cord to the column, like an extinguisher over a candle. On each side a winged scorpion-man. Well cut and in fine condition. No. 291. Bluish chalcedony , with an oval section. A column, or standard, as in No. 290 but without the cap attached. On one side a winged scorpion r man. Above a crescent. Well cut and in fine condition. No. 292. Bluish chalcedony , with an oval section. A small piece is chipped off on one side. The goat-fish, or capricorn, emblem of the water-god Ea. Above these reaches down from the frac¬ ture what looks like a slender arm ending with a hand, but which may be simply the ashera of Ea, which would have the head of a ram on the summit. Before the goat-fish a small oval object which is usually regarded as the feminine emblem, but may come from the Egyptian eye. Well 122 283 293 294 PLATE XXXVII 292 286 284 289 287 295 285 290 304 305 3 02 303 307 308 309 297 298 299 300 PLATE XXXVIII cut, and in good preservation except for the fracture. The representa¬ tion of the goat-fish is unusual. No. 293. Bluish chalcedony , with octagonal section. A worshipper with long garment and hand raised stands before two asheras rising from the divine seat; the nearer one the emblem of Marduk, and the further one that of Nebo. In fine condition. This seal is rather small. No. 294. Emerald-green glass, with nearly circular section; large. A goat attacked from behind by a lion. Vigorously but crudely wrought with the wheel. The edges are somewhat chipped, but the very rare and choice material gives this seal much value. I do not remember any other Oriental seal of this emerald glass. No. 295. Saphirine t with oval section. In nearly perfect condition and well cut. On the face the two asheras of Marduk and Nebo rising from a divine seal. Beside them in Assyrian characters an inscription, and on one side a further inscription. They read: NABU-NAPSHATI-USUR, SCRIBE. -(^. T. Clay.) Cone seals with cuneiform inscriptions are very rare. No. 296. Saphiriney with octagonal section; two bits broken out near the bottom of the design. Two man-fishes facing each other. From a vase above a stream falls into a vase which each holds to his breast, and from thence two streams gush out to a vase (but broken by the flaw) below between them, and are falling outside beyond the tails of the fishes. This is an unusual design and is excellently cut in the stone. No. 297. Saphirine y with octagonal section. A conventional tree of life, on each side of which stands a composite figure, the upper part of which is human and the lower a bull. Each lifts his arms as if to support the Ashur, or winged disk, the circle of which is here suppressed. This is an unusual design on these seals, but not infrequent on the cylinders. It is in fine preservation. 123 No. 298. Chalcedony, with an oval section. A figure in a long garment stands in a crescent, representing the moon-god Sin. On each side of him is an ashera, of which one behind him is the emblem of Marduk, and the other is probably that of Nebo. In good condition, but crudely cut with the drill. No. 299. A large seal of chalcedony which has been calcined and made opaque. A standing worshipper in a long garment lifts his hand before three asheras. The one next to him is the symbol of Marduk; the middle one that of Nebo; and the third probably that of Nusku. The three stand on the divine seat. The width of this seal allows the unusual number of three asheras to be represented. In good condition, but rudely cut with the drill. No. 300. Chalcedony, with flattened octagonal section, the angles rounded. A piece broken off near the perforation. Theface of the seal is in good condition , but the sides are somewhat worn. Engraved on the two flat sides as well as on the end. On the face the worshipper, with long garment and hand raised, stands before two asheras, the nearer one that of Marduk; the further one that of Nusku, with the lamp at the top. On one side an animal seated; on the other side an Assyrian cuneiform inscription in two lines which read: NABU-NASIR-NAPISHTIM, SCRIBE. {A. T. Clay.) No. 301. A small seal of saphirine, with octagonal section, in perfect preser¬ vation. The worshipper in the usual attitude stands before a table, or altar, above which is a star, the emblem of the goddess Ishtar. No. 302. Lapis lazuli, large, of nearly circular section; in fairly good preservation. Under a crescent a worshipper in a long garment stands with hand raised in worship before a scorpion-man. The material is quite unusual for cone seals. No. 303. Bluish chalcedony with broadly oval section. Fairly and elaborately engraved, and in good condition. Above, the winged Ashur, with the bust in the center arising from the disk, and the smaller bust arising from each wing, facing the central 124 > 2 god, and with hand raised. Under it the tree of life, figured like a lotus arising out of a half-circle formed of two branches with a bud at each end. On each side a worshipper in the usual attitude; behind one a star over a rhomb, usually supposed to be a female emblem, or possibly the Egyptian eye; behind the other the crescent of Sin over an object like a dagger. An unusually fine seal. No. 304. Chalcedony, with octagonal section. Engraved with the wheel, and in good condition. Under the crescent of the moon-god Sin, a worshipper stands in the usual attitude before a very simple representation of the tree of life, consisting of five radiating lines, above which are the two asheras of Marduk and Nebo. No. 305. Chalcedony, with octagonal section. In good condition, but edges rubbed. The worshipper in usual attitude stands before two asheras, one that of Nebo, the other the lamp of Nusku on a lamp-stand. Above is the crescent of Sin. No. 306. Bluish chalcedony, with oval section. A worshipper in the usual attitude stands before a column with a flat top, and two asheras, one of Marduk and the other of Nebo. Above is the star of Ishtar. No. 307. Saphirine, with flattened octagonal section. In excellent condition and is well engraved. A worshipper in a long garment stands in the attitude of worship before the ashera of Nebo, above which is a crescent. No. 308. Of bluish, rather opaque chalcedony, approaching jasper, with a flattened octagonal section. In excellent condition and well engraved. A lion attacks a bull, mounting it from in front. No. 309. Burnt opaque chalcedony, with an oval section. The design, which is rudely engraved with the revolving tool, shows a goddess seated in a high-backed chair, from the back of which project AA 125 short lines such as in some cases end in stars. She has a long robe and one hand is extended. Beneath the chair is an animal with head and neck raised in front; the goddess seems to be seated on the back of the animal. The goddess is probably the mother goddess later known as Ma. No. 310. Yellowish burnt chalcedony , or jasper, with an oval section—rudely engraved with the revolving tool. A standing worshipper in long garment, with hand raised. There is a star above and another below his hand. Behind him is an object like a dagger with a crossed handle. 126 / PLAT E XXXIX SASSANIAN SEALS W ITH this collection of cylinders and Assyrian cone seals there are included a small number of what are called Sassanian seals, which succeeded the period of Arsacid domination and which maybe dated from a period of from 200 or 300 to 500 or 600 a. d. They are of the same materials as the Assyrian cone seals, serpentine, chalcedony, carnelian, jasper, hematite, etc., but take on a new shape. They are hemispherical, or somewhat larger than a hemisphere, but inclining to be flattened until they even take the form of a ring. The designs are quite various, sometimes a human head, apparently meant to be a portrait, but oftener some animal figure; occasionally a god. It is not uncommon to find a Pehlevi inscription which is often so rudely or peculiarly engraved as not to be easily read, especially on account of the change from the earlier into the later script. Seals of this class need much more profound study than they have yet received from scholars. No. 311. Dark gray soft serpentine , of peculiar and unusual shape. Instead of the ordinary hemispherical shape , the upper rounded portion has been curved into a human head , beardless and shorn. It is well and strongly cut. The flat oval seal surface has the head of a bearded man in cameo, set in a border which is engraved with a Pehlevi inscription. No. 312. Large chalcedony , of nearly hemispherical shape. The back is engraved with a geometrical design. The face of the seal has a hump-backed bull, or zebu, above which are the star and the crescent. In good preservation and an attractive example. No. 313. Brown and white banded agate; hemispherical and in excellent condition , exceptfor a single small chipping on the face. I 2 J AA2 A bird stands with wings lifted and seizes with his talons the head of an animal. On the border are half a dozen Pehlevi letters. An attractive seal. No. 314. Brown chalcedony, hemispherical. The surface consists wholly of an inscription in three lines, one of them around the face of the seal, and two of them across it. In excellent condition. No. 315. Carnelian. A small hemispherical seal. On the face a stout animal with branching horns in the attitude of repose. In good condition. No. 316. Carnelian, flattened, with oval face and large perforation. The design shows a god on horseback piercing with a spear a seven¬ headed serpent. In good preservation. This is a unique and very remarkable design. It shows the later evolution of the myth of the conflict between Bel and the Dragon, which we find on the Assyrian cylinders, under various forms of the dragon, one of which is rarely that of the serpent, as seen in fig. 156. It corresponds also to the same conflict between the spirits of order and disorder which is seen in the piercing of the serpent Apep in Egyptian art. This seal shows a close relation with the later development of the figures of Saint George fighting the Dragon. No. 317. Small carnelian, flattened and with a large perforation. In good preservation, and fairly well engraved. The oval face gives us the head and bust of a man, bearded, and with long hair behind his neck. No. 318. Small light colored carnelian, flattened. The oval face shows the head of a deer with branching horns, and on each side of its neck a thick conical ornament projection, or wing. The same is to be observed in the two next numbers. No. 319. Carnelian, flattened and with a large perforation. The engraved face is oval, and the re?naining surface is ornamented with scroll. The face shows a dancing female figure with legs crossed, and a garland over her head. On each side of her body is a conical, or bee¬ hive shaped object, and a single star. 128 No. 320. Calcined chalcedony, opaque, flattened, and with large perforation. The design shows a large hand, the wrist of which branches out above into cone, or cornucopia-like ornaments, one rising on each side. The meaning of these objects, beyond ornament, or to fill the space, is not clear. Around the design is an inscription in Pehlevi letters. No. 321. Carnelian, flattened, with large perforation, oval face, and the remaining surface engraved with a scroll ornament. The design shows a cock and a mouse fighting, surrounded by a border ornament like a branch. A very attractive seal. No. 322. Clear chalcedony, much flattened, and with a very large perforation, giving the seal the shape of a thick ring. The face shows a flower of the thistle shape, rising from a stalk, with a slender branch on each side of the flower, and leaves rising from below. In excellent condition and an attractive seal. No. 323. Clear chalcedony. A ring-shaped seal with small oval face, and the remainder of the ring-surface engraved with four double ovals. The face shows a coarsely engraved standing female figure fully draped, and with a long braid of hair falling behind. The ring-shape, and the clear stone gives this seal value. ■ " • ' ■ . ‘I TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTY NUMBERED COPIES OF THIS BOOK DESIGNED BY FREDERIC FAIR CHILD SHERMAN HAVE BEEN PRIVATELY PRINTED FOR J. PIERPONT MORGAN IN THE MONTH OF MARCH MCMIX * ’ $ . - — - I - * . *.