Ancient Near East Seal Collection

Stamp seal

  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
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Historical period(s)
Sasanian period, 224 - 651
Medium
Agate
Dimension(s)
H x W: 2 x 1.3 cm (13/16 x 1/2 in)
Origin
Iran
Credit Line
Gift of the Duncan M. Whittome Revocable Trust in memory of Ambassador and Mrs. James S. Moose, Jr.
Accession Number
F1993.18.23
Keyword(s)
agate, ellipsoid-shaped seal, hand, Iran, Sasanian Pahlavi script, Sasanian period (ca. 224 - 651), stamp seal
Label

Engraved on this ellipsoid-shaped stamp seal is a left human hand motif with thumb and forefinger joined, terminating in a cuff-like base within a pair of ribbons. At 3 o'clock is a crescent moon and at 9 o'clock is a six-pointed star (in impression). Around the seal, from 3 to 9 o'clock counterclockwise (in impression), is a Pahlavi inscription. An open hand, with the thumb and forefinger either touching each other or holding a tulip, is seen as an auspicious gesture expressing greeting or invocation.

Inscription: 'št't / aštād
Translation: Aštād (Goddess Rectitude; cal. 27th day)

Translation provided by Touraj Daryaee and Kiarash Gholami

References:

Brunner, Christopher J. 1978. Sasanian Stamp Seals in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Published References
  • Antonietta Catanzariti. The Ancient Near East Seal Collection. Washington. .
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