Helios Gallery
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Sumerian cylinder seal with an unusual early farming scene
W151£600.00
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An unusual and interesting black steatite cylinder seal decorated with an animal husbandry scene. The seal depicts a standing figure driving three geese or ducks towards a tall thin roosting coop, beyond this are two recumbent sheep or goats next to a triangular pen. The design of the pen indicates that it was constructed from three upright timbers with woven reeds or sticks to form the walls around an arched opening.
The design of the pen is reminiscent of construction methods still used in the Southern Iraqi marshes and the overall composition of the seal decoration suggests an origin towards the Arabian Gulf rather than upper Mesopotamia. The seal decoration is a testament of early farming from the region known as the Cradle of Civilisation.
Culture
Southern Mesopotamia or Arabian Gulf, Sumerian, 4th Millennium BC
Size
2.2 x 2 cms
Condition
Surface wear as shown, supplied with an epoxy resin seal impression
Provenance
Ex. collection, George Withers (1946-2023), Bath, UK; acquired on the UK art market from the late 1960’s onwards
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Reviews
Most recent comments
I bought a really lovely figurine and I am delighted! I spoke to Rolph and he is a very nice chap, and the figurine arrived two days later. I have bought from Helios Gallery before, after reading glowing reports about them, and have always loved my purchases. Thank you so much. Response from Helios Gallery Thank you, Robin, Glad you like the little Osiris figure and thank you for taking the time to leave a kind comment about us, Sam & Rolf 🙂
Bronze votive figurine of Osiris
4th April 2024 
Excellent Experience!
2nd April 2024
This was my first time purchasing from this vendor and I couldn’t be happier. Once I placed my order, they personally emailed me thanking me and ensured it would be shipped out the next day. One week later, across the Atlantic – I received my piece. It was securely packed and handled with care. I look forward to supporting this vendor in the future!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Jean-Paul, so glad everything went smoothly and you’re happy with us and your lekythos, Sam & Rolf 🙂
Egyptian sandals
20th December 2023
The sandals have just arrived thank you. Unfortunately they don’t fit me so I have put them in my display cabinet where they look amazing along with the rest of my antiquities. Once again thank you and happy Christmas to you both.
Response from Helios Gallery
Love this! so glad they don’t fit 🙂 and delighted you love them, many thanks for your comment, Sam & Rolf
Geometric oinochoe
8th November 2023
This is my second purchase from Helios. Very happy with the pitcher- just as described in the website. A nice example of italo-geometric pottery. Well packaged as was the previous item. Fast dispatch. Altogether, very satisfied with this purchase. I am sure to return to this seller. Thank you.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Mike, for you lovely comment, we love to hear that you like the Oinochoe, it is a lovely piece, Many thanks Sam & Rolf: )
Terracotta figurine of Harpocrates
22nd September 2023
It’s already the second purchase I’ve made from Helios Gallery and for the second time I am satisfied. Rolf is kind and available to resolve any doubts quickly and professionally. I highly recommend helios gallery to everyone who loves history and antiquities!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you so much for you comment, and glad you like the Terracotta, Sam & Rolf
Helios - excellent collection of items to buy & excellent customer service
16th December 2023
I have just purchased my ninth item from Helios and will continue to make this company my first choice when I want to buy an antiquity. I always feel confident that whatever I decide to buy is authentic and fairly priced, and the service provided to customers is excellent. Thank you Rolf and Sam
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Andrew, for your great comment. and we are really pleased you love your growing collection, Rolf & Sam
Smooth transaction. Will return.
13th September 2023
Item as described. Carefully packaged and promptly delivered. A happy purchaser! Will continue to visit this dealer.
Response from Helios Gallery
So glad you like the lamp, thank you for the kind comment, Sam and Rolf 🙂
ESTIC CONTENTISSIMA DEL SEU TRACTE I DEL PROFESSIONALS QUE SON
7th September 2023
EMPRESA 100% RECOMANABLE PER LA PROFESSINALITAT I PEL BON TRACTE. ELS HE COMPRAT VARIES PECES I SEMPRE AMB LA CONFIANÇA DE QUE ESTIC ACOMPANYADA DE GRAN PROFESSIONALS
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you Nuria, for your kind review, Sam & Rolf 🙂
Triton figure
26th July 2023
Really happy with my beautiful artefact. Love this business- always friendly and personable. Great swift service too
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you so much Johnny, so pleased you like the lovely chap, Sam and Rolf 🙂
Redfigure Pottery Shard
26th June 2023
Thank you very much for my ancient Greek redfigure shard – communication was excellent and the delivery was very fast!
I am very happy to adding the first ancient piece to my collection!!!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Grace, so glad you are happy with your first antiquity.
Amazing antiquities
31st March 2023
These people have become my go-to place for reasonably priced antiquities with excellent provenance. I know I can count on them to be ethical and responsible in our dealings, and my purchases always arrive on time or even early at times.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Richard, for your kind review, so glad you are pleased with us, we try to have an interesting group of Antiquities for sale. Sam & Rolf
Minoan blossom bowl
6th February 2023
I made my first purchase from Helios 17 years ago and since then I regurlarly buy Greek items with the same pleasure and full confidence. Once again this Minoan bowl is an excellent item ! I also want to warmly thank Rolf for his great support for administrative questions !
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, JP, for another kind comment, we value you as one of our longest established collectors, many thanks Sam and Rolf
Neolithic flint axe head
5th February 2023
I’m delighted with my purchase, it has exceeded my expectations! The axe head is exactly as described, and was delivered in very safe and secure packaging. Rolf was very courteous and helpful with his communication, which is greatly appreciated. Overall, I am very happy, and I highly recommended Helios Gallery!
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you Jeremy, really pleased you like the axe head and many thanks for your kind comment, Sam & Rolf
Egyptian faience inscribed shabti with painted decoration
29th November 2022
The item arrived in the exact condition it was listed and I couldn’t be more happy with my purchase. Rolf has also been exceptional with answering questions about my purchase. I will certainly do business with Helios Gallery in the future.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Matt, so pleased you like the Ushabti figure, and the order all went smoothly, look forward to selling to you again, Many Thanks Sam & Rolf
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
17th January 2023
I bought two exceptionel wonderful greek terracottas.
Fantastic items and fantastic service by the Helios Gallery.
Highly recommended!
Response from Helios Gallery
Fab comment Stefan, so glad you love the terracotta’s and thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Sam & Rolf:)
Egyptian faience openwork Eye of Horus amulet
10th November 2022
Fast delivery, well packaged, product as advertised. Thank you for enabling those without a large budget to own a little piece of history. I will be buying again.
Response from Helios Gallery
Thank you, Howard, for your kind comment and so glad you like the Eye of Horus, we try to have a small items sale a couple of times a year, Sam & Rolf 🙂