Bidspirit auction | ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN CUNEIFORM INSCRIBED HARDSTONE

ANCIENT MESOPOTAMIAN CUNEIFORM INSCRIBED HARDSTONE BARREL SEAL OR VOTIVE BEAD - An ancient Mesopotamian barrel-shaped seal or oversized votive bead, carved from a dense, dark hardstone with a subtle metallic lustre, likely hematite or steatite. The object is pierced longitudinally with a wide central bore-hole intended for suspension. The exterior surface is partitioned into vertical registers by incised lines, containing columns of hand-carved cuneiform script and symbolic motifs. One prominent motif is an eight-pointed star or rosette, which in Mesopotamian iconography traditionally represents the deity Ishtar/Inanna or serves as a determinative for divinity (Dingir). The script comprises various wedge-shaped incisions arranged in structured columns. L: 2cm