Seal with Unicorn and Inscription

Description

Indus Valley seals appear to have been hung on a string that passed through a boss on the reverse side. This animal, carved with detailed markings around his neck and forequarters, has his head positioned over an object on a stand that may be interpreted as an altar or brazier or censer; it is not known whether it is for offerings to or sacrifice of the animal.

Provenance

(William H. Wolff [1906–1991], New York, NY, sold to the Cleveland Museum of Art) (?–1973); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1973–)

Seal with Unicorn and Inscription

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c. 2000 BCE

Accession Number

1973.161

Medium

steatite

Dimensions

Overall: 3.5 x 3.6 cm (1 3/8 x 1 7/16 in.)

Classification

Seals

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund