2-580-395 - © CM Dixon/Heritage Images

Carnelian cylinder seal of Mushezib-Ninurta, Neo-Assyrian, from Sherif Khan (Tarbisu), northern Iraq, 9th century BC. The king, shown in mirror image, is protected by guardian genii sprinkling holy water from a bucket. The tree in the centre, symbolizes nature and the land of Assyria. Above is a god in the winged disc probably representing the sun-god Shamash or the supreme god of Assyria, Ashur. From the British Museum's collection.