27th century BC. A carved marble Early Dynastic II cylinder seal in two registers with banquet scenes; in the upper register appear twice two persons sitting opposite each other, between them on a pedestal a large pot, probably filled with beer; whether the beer is drunk by means of drinking straws or with cups, can not be seen; in the lower register a rampant lion facing right attacks two crossing sheep; to the right of them appears a temple facade in the form of a large X-symbol, above it a caprid's head, both framed by a line; to the right of it a banquet scene as above; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. See Collon, D. Near Eastern Seals, London, 1990. 18.1 grams, 33mm (1 1/4"). Property of a London lady, part of her family's Swiss collection; formerly acquired in the 1980s. [No Reserve]