Cylinder seal
Ancient Near Eastern ArtIvory/Bone-Cylinder Sealsca. 2900–2700 B.C.

Cylinder seal is a ivory/bone-cylinder seals created in ca. 2900–2700 B.C. using bone measuring 1.18 in. (3 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumBone
Dimensions1.18 in. (3 cm)
ClassificationIvory/Bone-Cylinder Seals
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LinePurchase, The Howard Phipps Family Charitable Foundation Gift, 1989
Dateca. 2900–2700 B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

dating from the Early Dynastic I period. The estimated date range is 2900 BC – 2700 BC.

Geography

Origin: Mesopotamia or Syria.

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 ca. 2900–2700 B.C..

What material is Cylinder seal made from?

Cylinder seal is crafted from bone.

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

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