Mesopotamian / Assyrian seal impressions - Tree of life with Apkallu & early Astonomical motif. Ahura Mazda
Assyrian cylinder seal impressions
On offer here are a pair of rare seal impression replicas of Assyrian design. Made of limestone and quartzite composition stone, they have aged ochre patinas.
Assyrian astronomical seal
Height - 3cm / 1-1/4 inches
Width - 5.8 cm / 2-1/4 inches
Featuring an astronomical motif dominated by the planet Venus - known to the Assyrians as the star of Ishtar. The presence of other star arrangements behind the seated figure and the crescent moon behind the standing figures, were a way of dating the seal which was a document of a transaction. An early depiction of the winged sun disc of Ahura Mazda can also be seen floating above the scene.
Assyrian tree of life impression :-
Length - 8 cm / 3-1/4 inches
Height - 4 cm / 1-5/8 inches
The original impression was created in the period 901-609 B.C.E and features a pair of 'Apkallu'. The Apkallu were genies with eagle heads and wings with a human body. They possessed great wisdom. Wisdom that was said to have inspired the building of the early cities of the region and to create gardens and introduce animal husbandry.
Here in this seal impression they are tending to the pollination of the tree of life. The small bags they hold contain the pollen which is being used to touch the buds and flowers of the tree with a pine cone dipped in the pollen. The extra geometric lines around the tree, symbolize the water canals used to sustain the fertility of the gardens created.
The image is a common motif in the Mesopotamian region because quite simply it was an advertisement for survival by harnessing the benefits of civilisation and accessing and venerating the divine order.
The impression details are faint but enough remains to interpret the scene in good lighting.
Shipping from Australia
Processing time
3-5 business days
Estimated shipping times
- North America : 1 - 3 weeks
- Europe : 1 - 3 weeks
- Australia, New Zealand and Oceania : 1 - 2 weeks
- Asia Pacific : 1 - 3 weeks
- Latin America and the Caribbean : 1 - 3 weeks
- North Africa and the Middle East : 1 - 3 weeks
- Sub-Saharan Africa : 1 - 3 weeks
I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.
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I gladly accept returns and cancellations
Just contact me within: 5 days of delivery
Ship items back to me within: 14 days of delivery
Request a cancellation within: 2 days of purchase
I don't accept exchanges
But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.
The following items can't be returned or exchanged
Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:
- Custom or personalized orders
- Perishable products (like food or flowers)
- Digital downloads
- Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)
- Items on sale
Conditions of return
Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.