Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head

3800–3500 BC

Seal Amulet in the form of a Lion's Head, 3800–3500 BC. Iraq, southern Mesopotamia, 3800-3500 BC. Agate; diameter: 2.8 x 2.7 x 0.9 cm (1 1/8 x 1 1/16 x 3/8 in.). The Cleveland Museum of Art, Gift of Mabel Porozynski in honor and remembrance of Eugene Porozynski 2000.42 Delicately carved from exotic semiprecious stone, this tiny seal in the shape of a lion's head (rendered in profile) would have functioned not only as the legal signature of its ancient owner but also a protective amulet, magically conferring to its wearer the lion's natural virtues of courage, leadership, and strength. These amulets were commonly found in tombs of women and children.