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This unique necklace represents the imprint left by a Mesopotamian cylinder seal on clay, emblematic of the ancient treasures of Mesopotamia. The cylinder seal of the King of Kish is known from such an imprint discovered in the royal cemetery of the city of Ur.
Cylinder seals appeared during the Uruk period, between 4100 and 3300 BCE. These cylinders, engraved with complex motifs, were used to print images on clay by rolling them. The engravings depicted mythological animals, gods, legendary scenes, and various symbols of power. Beyond their practical function, they could also hold magical or ritual significance.
The Mesopotamian cylinder seal presented on this necklace evokes an episode from the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of humanity's oldest epic tales. The engraved scene depicts the hero-king Gilgamesh accompanied by mythical bulls between two lions. One of the lions bites Gilgamesh on the shoulder. On either side appear Enkidu, friend and companion of Gilgamesh, King of Uruk, and another character, a heroic long-bearded hunter. Below, four runners armed with daggers form a swastika by holding onto each other’s feet, possibly symbolizing continuity and interconnection.
This artifact is preserved at the Penn Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in the United States. It was discovered in the tomb of Mesannepada, the first king to appear on the list of the First Dynasty of Ur, in the 26th century BCE. Mesannepada, also known by the title of King of Kish, was married to Inanna, the goddess of love, beauty, war, and fertility, as indicated by the pictograms on this cylinder seal.
The engravings on this cylinder seal are not just artistic illustrations; they are also rich in symbolism. Gilgamesh and Enkidu represent heroism and friendship, while the lions and mythical bulls illustrate themes of struggle and power. The runners forming a swastika add a dimension of movement and continuity, a motif often associated with good fortune and the cycle of life.
The "Cylinder Seal of the King of Kish" silver necklace is a gateway to ancient history, allowing the wearer to connect with the stories and symbols of ancient Mesopotamia. Every detail of this piece pays tribute to the cultural and spiritual richness of that distant era, offering a touch of historical elegance and profound meaning through its engraved motifs.
Metal: 925 silver.
Dimensions: approximately 5 x 3.4 cm.
Necklace length: about 90 cm.
Manufacturing time: 5 business days.
As we currently dwell in Mexico, provide a period of 3 to 6 weeks to receive your order for free with normal post service. Thank you for taking this information into account before ordering in our shop. At checkout, you will also have the option of choosing an express shipping. (please, read the complete conditions of shipping here).
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I hope you will love this jewel as much as I enjoyed creating it.
By Emmanuelle Guyon.
Tags : necklace, clay, ceramic, archaeological reproduction, Mesopotamia, Mesopotamian, mythology, hero, king, god, antiquity, archaeology, archaeological, Gilgamesh, legend, Sumer, Sumerian, Assyrian, Assyria, Mesopotamian mythology, Middle East, Iraq, Neolithic, Uruk, epic, literature, writer, history, historical, civilization, cylinder seal, Kish, Ur, Our, Enkidu, swastika, Mesannepada, Inanna
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