A very fine Mesopotamian haematite cylinder seal featuring an engraving of zoomorphic figures. A horned creature, perhaps an ibex or an ox, features beneath a sun-disc, adorned with radiate incisions. Ahead, a standing figure, draped in long robes, faces left with arms raised towards a seated figure, depicted with outstretched arms and open wings, likely a winged genie. Careful incisions denote the feathers, his beard, long robes and an elaborate headpiece. The scene is framed by an encircling line at the top and base. The seal is perforated longitudinally for suspension. The piece is in excellent condition, with very minor wear and earthy encrustations, and the engraving very well preserved. This piece comes with a museum-quality impression. Seals in antiquity were often made of stone, however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and occasionally sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership. As such, they were instrumental in legal transactions and in the protection of goods against theft. Seal amulets with stylised animals or fantasised zoomorphic figural have been found throughout Mesopotamia and dating to the late fourth millennium BC. Winged genii are one such zoomorphic figure. They were often depicted alongside quadrupeds or ‘Tree of Life’ motifs, and functioned as protective spirits. Measurements: L 2.1cm x W 1cm Provenance: Ex S. collection, London, UK, 1980s-2000s.