Cylinder seal
Ancient Near Eastern ArtStone-Cylinder Sealsca. early 2nd millennium B.C.

Cylinder seal is a stone-cylinder seals created in ca. early 2nd millennium B.C. using hematite measuring H. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); Diam. 1/4 in. (0.7 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumHematite
DimensionsH. 1/2 in. (1.3 cm); Diam. 1/4 in. (0.7 cm)
ClassificationStone-Cylinder Seals
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LineGift of Nanette B. Kelekian, in memory of Charles Dikran and Beatrice Kelekian, 1999
Dateca. early 2nd millennium B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

dating from the Old Syrian period. The estimated date range is 2000 BC – 1000 BC.

Geography

Origin: 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. 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

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