Ancient Near East Seal Collection

Usage conditions apply

Stamp seal

  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  • Stamp seal
  View right to left
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.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections..