- Historical period(s)
- Jemdet Nasr period, 3100-2900 BCE
- Medium
- Chlorite or serpentinite
- Dimension(s)
- H x W x D: 2.5 × 2.8 × 1.3 cm (1 × 1 1/8 × 1/2 in)
- Origin
- Iraq
- Credit Line
- Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Leonard Gorelick
- Accession Number
- F1999.6.9
- Keyword(s)
- chlorite, Iraq, Jemdet Nasr period (3100 - 2900 BCE), serpentinite, stamp seal
- Label
-
This rectangular stamp seal shows carved motifs both on the front and back. The front plane shows a combination of circular drill marks and numerous diagonally incised lines. The back displays an incised grid pattern filled with drill marks and lines. Perforated vertically, this seal was probably meant to be used on both sides. Stamp seals had a long life in the ancient Near East and were some of the first shapes produced. They continued to be used along with cylinder seals and even after the cylinder seal ceased to be used.
Published:
Gorelick, L., and A. J. Gwinnett. 1981b. “The Origin and Development of the Ancient Near Eastern Cylinder Seal.” Expedition 23, no. 4: 17–29.
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. .
- SI Usage Statement
-
Usage conditions apply
There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
International Image Interoperability Framework