From Susa to Sippar: the Travels of Two Bulls, a Mountain and a Tree

Among the Old Babylonian seals of Sippar there is one that appears to be unique. In this study we try to find out whether the motif on this seal was attested elsewhere during the Old Babylonian period and whether it already existed during previous periods. First, we determine the iconographic position of the motif by comparing it to similar ones. Then, by describing the motif’s journey through space and time, we argue that its origin lies in the ancient city of Susa. Finally, we look at the motif’s absence during the Old Babylonian period and link the presence of the motif on a Sippar seal to the fact that it belonged to a Sippar merchant.