Image Details

Giorgio and Marilyn Kelly Buccellati

In a gesture of absolute obedience, the crown prince touches his father’s lap on the bulla shown here (compare with drawing). The prince stands on a lion, which is a common Near Eastern symbol of royal authority. Facing the king is a solemn standing figure, probably a deity, associated with a star and holding a cup. The rich imagery on this seal suggests that the tableau represents a kind of royal ideology: The god-like figure replenishes the bowl from which the lion, symbol of kingly authority, drinks. In other words, the gods themselves nourish and sustain Urkesh’s rulers.