---
title: Seal Impression of a Median Archer from Western Iran
author: National Museum of Iran
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18596/seal-impression-of-a-median-archer-from-western-ir/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 2024-03-06
---

# Seal Impression of a Median Archer from Western Iran

_Authored by National Museum of Iran_

## Image File

[![Seal Impression of a Median Archer from Western Iran](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18596.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/18596.jpg)

## Image Caption

Seal impression from Nushi Jan Castle Complex, c. 650 BCE.

National Museum of Iran, Tehran, inv. no. 13145.

Median art has few remaining examples and almost none that seem free from the impacts of its regional predecessors and contemporaries. The seal impression here depicts an archer in the typical long robe of Mesopotamian kings. He is posed with his bowstring pulled, prepared to release an arrow from his stronghold represented by a pile of rocks. A compact, linear form of the winged 'sun' is spread over his head. The winged disk (recreating the sun, the moon, or a wheel) was among the most recurring visual signs of omnipotent, overarching, and protective power in Mesopotamian and Near Eastern art. Behind the archer curls a huge python holding a green shoot. In the mythical epics of [Mesopotamian literature](https://www.worldhistory.org/Mesopotamian_Literature/), such as [Gilgamesh](https://www.worldhistory.org/gilgamesh/), the snake symbolises rejuvenation, resurrection, and immortality. Although this seal impression was found in an archaeological site associated with the [Medians](https://www.worldhistory.org/Medes/) and well into the Iranian heartland, it is suggestive of strong links to the Mesopotamian, particularly Assyrian art, beliefs, and lifestyle.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## External Links

- [National Museum of Iran – Official Site For National Museum Of Iran](https://irannationalmuseum.ir/en/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Iran, N. M. o. (2024, March 06). Seal Impression of a Median Archer from Western Iran. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18596/seal-impression-of-a-median-archer-from-western-ir/>
### Chicago
Iran, National Museum of. "Seal Impression of a Median Archer from Western Iran." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 06, 2024. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18596/seal-impression-of-a-median-archer-from-western-ir/>.
### MLA
Iran, National Museum of. "Seal Impression of a Median Archer from Western Iran." *World History Encyclopedia*, 06 Mar 2024, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/18596/seal-impression-of-a-median-archer-from-western-ir/>.

## License & Copyright

Original image by **National Museum of Iran**. Submitted by [Nathalie Choubineh](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/nathalie.choubineh/ "User Page: Nathalie Choubineh"), published on 06 March 2024. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Copyright](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright). You cannot use, copy, distribute, or modify this item without explicit permission from the author. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.