Western Asiatic Stamp Seal and Amulet Collection

Western Asiatic Stamp Seal and Amulet Collection
2nd millennium BC-1st millennium AD
A group of stamp seals and amulets including two accompanied by typed and signed notes by the late W.G. Lambert, Professor of Assyriology at the University of Birmingham 1970-1993, which state: (R-139) 'Ring-Stone of Carnelian, 12.5 x 10.5 x 4mm. This is oval with a flat back and flat face with bevelled rounded edges. The design consists of a human bust, facing right. The work has been done with the drill, and shows a thick-necked head. This is reported to have come from west central Asia, and the most likely date is Kujham, c. 200 B.C. to 200 A.D. The piece is in fine condition'; 'Item of Jewellery of White and Brown Stone, 9 x 9 x 17mm. This has the form of a small crouching animal, with big snout surrounded by grooves, a hole for the eyes (and for suspension), ears marked behind and above for the eyes, and a smooth body with no hint of legs, but linear cuts over the back side. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2000 B.C. It is an extremely rare item, and in very good condition. It was no doubt hung on a necklace or an ear-ring.'; the rest comprising: seven plano-convex seals: one depicting a gryphon with three letters PNI(?) to the centre bottom; one banded stone with lion mask surrounded by a wreath; one speckled stone with schematic geometric design; one clear stone with moon and star; one black stone with antelope; one with incised lines to convex side, depicting a bust in profile wearing robes and fillet; and one green stone with stag; and a brown and white rectangular seal depicting a bird. 29 grams total, 11-7mm (1/2-3/4"). Fine condition. [10]
Provenance
The Signo collection, the property of a West London businessman, formed in the late 1980s-early 1990s; collection numbers R-139, R-583, R-676, R-680, R-922, T-104, T-105, T-106, V-650, Y-998, academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.
Footnotes
Dr. Bonewitz notes: 'The items are made from jasper (1), carnelian (2), haematite (2), rock crystal (1), glass (1), agate (1), bone (1), and limestone (1).'