Ancient Near Eastern ArtStone-Cylinder Sealsearly 2nd millennium B.C.Cylinder seal is a stone-cylinder seals of Old Assyrian Trading Colony (?) origin created in early 2nd millennium B.C. using hematite measuring 0.69 in. (1.75 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Hematite |
| Dimensions | 0.69 in. (1.75 cm) |
| Classification | Stone-Cylinder Seals |
| Department | Ancient Near Eastern Art |
| Credit Line | Bequest of W. Gedney Beatty, 1941 |
| Date | early 2nd millennium B.C. |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Old Assyrian Trading Colony (?) culture, dating from the Middle Bronze Age–Old Assyrian Trading Colony period. The estimated date range is 2000 BC – 1500 BC.
Geography
Origin: Anatolia. 
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Cylinder seal?
Cylinder seal is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Cylinder seal created?
Cylinder seal dates to early 2nd millennium B.C..
What material is Cylinder seal made from?
Cylinder seal is crafted from hematite.
Is Cylinder seal in the public domain?
Cylinder seal is in the public domain and can be freely used.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026