Ancient Near East Seal Collection

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Stamp seal

  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
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Historical period(s)
Jemdet Nasr period, 3100-2900 BCE
Medium
Slate
Dimension(s)
H x W x D: 1.7 × 2.1 × 1.1 cm (11/16 × 13/16 × 7/16 in)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Gorelick
Accession Number
F1999.6.7
Keyword(s)
animal, Jemdet Nasr period (3100 - 2900 BCE), kidney-shaped seal, slate, stamp seal
Label

This kidney-shaped stamp seal depicts three-horned animals. Stamp seals had a long life in the ancient Near East and were some of the first shapes produced. Stamp seals never stopped being used over the millennia and were utilized along with cylinder seals. Towards the end of the first millennium BCE and into the Common Era, stamp seals were again the favorite shape being produced.

References:
Rashad, Mahmoud. 1990. Die Entwicklung Der Vor und Frühgeschichtlichen Stempelsiegel in Iran: Im Vergleich mit Mesopotamien, Syrien und Kleinasien, von Ihren Anfängen Bis Zum Beginn Des 3. Jahrtausends V. Chr. Berlin: D. Reimer.

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