Cylinder seals first came into use around 3500 B.C. in ancient Sumer (southern Mesopotamia). Because many cylinder seals survive from every period they serve as a visual chronicle of changing styles and iconography, and are important to the study of ancient Near Eastern art. Our spirited earrings are based on an ancient cylinder seal in the Museum’s collection (Jemdet Nasr period, ca. 3100–2900 B.C.).
18K gold overlay, antiqued, with carnelian beads. 2 1/4''L. Pierced, with gold-filled wires.