Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute
Flag of IraqAncient Near Eastern ArtShell-Ornamentsca. 2600–2500 B.C.

Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute is a shell-ornaments of Sumerian origin created in ca. 2600–2500 B.C. using shell measuring 2 1/2 x 1 1/4 in. (6.3 x 3.1 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumShell
Dimensions2 1/2 x 1 1/4 in. (6.3 x 3.1 cm)
ClassificationShell-Ornaments
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LineRogers Fund, 1962
Dateca. 2600–2500 B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Sumerian culture, dating from the Early Dynastic IIIa period. The estimated date range is 2600 BC – 2500 BC.

Geography

Origin: Mesopotamia. Flag of Iraq

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute?

Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute created?

Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute dates to ca. 2600–2500 B.C..

What material is Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute made from?

Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute is crafted from shell.

Is Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute in the public domain?

Inlay: woman wearing a cylinder seal, playing a flute 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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