Ein Samiya Cup

View of the silver cup/goblet found in one of the MB I (2200–2000 B.C.) at Ein Samiya (Dhahr Mirzbaneh).  It is a unique find in that the grave goods found in these tombs are usually few and include simple (beads, knives, etc.).

The silver goblet is carved with a mythological scene from possibly the epic of Enuma Elish.  The human figure is actually bounded on each side by dragons/snakes.  The one on the left of the cup is clearly visible.  Y. Yadin suggested that the scene depicts the victory of Marduk over Tiamat.  Note the dress of the human.  The goblet was probably made in Syriba and was an heirloom.

The goblet is on display in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

See: Yeivin, Zeev. "'Ein Samiya and Dhahr Mirzbaneh." Page 378 in volume 1 of Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land. Edited by M. Avi–Yonah. Jerusalem: Israel Exploration Society and Massada Press, 1975.