‘The design, which is put between upper and lower decorative bands, shows two bulls with heads down confronting each other, while a horned animal of a different kind is rearing behind each bull. A heraldic eagle is put above the bulls’ heads: head at top, wings spread and tail feathers down.

This comes from the area stretching from the Middle Tigris to West Iran and dates to c. 2400-2200 B.C. It is a rare type of seal and exceptional both for the fine engraving, and for its good state of preservation.’

Interpretation and dating provided by Professor Lambert.