A Unique Cylinder Seal from the Hamzatepe Excavations

Abstract

Hamzatepe is located 10 km northwest of the Elbistan district in Kahramanmaraş province, immediately west of the Karahüyük neighborhood and adjacent to modern houses. This natural hill, partially covered with rocky areas, measures 380x380 meters and rises 48 meters above the surrounding plain. The Hurman Stream flows along the eastern edge of Hamzatepe, while Elbistan Karahöyük is located on the opposite bank. These two sites are situated on either side of the Hurman Stream, which flows into the Ceyhan River, in the southwestern part of the Elbistan Plain and to the north of Mount Şar. Following the resumption of excavations at Elbistan Karahöyük in 2015, surface surveys conducted at Hamzatepe revealed a cemetery in the northeastern part of the mound. Excavations began in this area in 2017, uncovering a series of urn burials dated mostly to the Middle Iron Age, predominantly involving cremation practices. A cylinder seal unearthed during the 2018 excavations is of particular importance due to its unique composition of figures. These figures are grouped into three thematically unrelated scenes. The first group, located at the center of the seal features a male and female sphinx standing opposite each other with a dead stag beneath their feet. The second group shows a pair of griffins facing each other on either side of a stylized tree, positioned next to the sphinxes. The third group, located below the sphinxes, consists of two male lions walking in opposite directions. Although the seal was found in a burial context dated to the Middle Iron Age, it stylistically reflects characteristics of the Middle Bronze Age. Based on close iconographic parallels, it is suggested that the seal was produced in the Old Syrian style during the Assyrian Trade Colonies Period.

It is declared that scientific and ethical principles were complied with during the preparation of this study and all the works referred are mentioned in the bibliography.

The Author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest.