Sumerian seal. Made of high quality clay or porcelin. Engravings around the seal. Good condition, no cracks. Paper notation says 2000 BC.
299 mm in length; 59mm in circumference
Hello, this item is a cylindrical seal-shaped object presented as a Sumerian seal, but based on visual analysis it is a modern decorative reproduction rather than an ancient Mesopotamian artifact. The surface shows a reddish-brown material consistent with fired clay or resin imitation, lacking the stone materials typical of authentic Sumerian cylinder seals such as hematite, serpentine, limestone, or lapis lazuli. The engraved figures display shallow, rounded carving with inconsistent iconographic detail, and the style does not align with known Early Dynastic or Akkadian glyptic traditions dated around 3000 to 2000 BC. In addition, the stated dimensions of approximately 299 mm in length are far outside the known range for authentic cylinder seals, which typically measure between 20 and 50 mm in height, making an ancient attribution archaeologically implausible.
Condition appears good, with no structural damage, which is consistent with a modern souvenir or decorative object rather than an excavated antiquity. Similar reproduction cylinder seals, often sold in Middle Eastern markets such as Aleppo during the late 20th century as educational or decorative items, typically trade on the secondary market between $30 and $80 USD depending on craftsmanship and presentation.
There was a typo in the length. It should be 29mm.