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Pyramidal seal with hunting scene

Near Eastern, Iranian, Persian
Achaemenid Period
550–331 B.C.

Medium/Technique Chalcedony
Dimensions Height x length (of face): 24 x 17 mm (15/16 x 11/16 in.)
Credit Line Bartlett Collection—Museum purchase with funds from the Francis Bartlett Donation of 1900
Accession Number03.1012
ClassificationsSeals

DescriptionIntaglio. Pierced for stringing but perforation does not go all the way through. Motif oriented horizontally. Sphinx with human head, torso, arms and lion's paws pursues a lion towards the right. He draws his bow at the lion while running over the body of a dead antelope. Human head is bearded and wears a vertically-tufted tiara. Scene is situated on a ground line.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to his records: bought in Smyrna); purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren, March 24,1903