Bronze Age Amulet seal
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Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 380 - € 450
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Description from the seller
ANCIENT ANATOLIAN/LEVANTINE STAMP SEAL-LATE BRONZE AGE /c. 1500-1200 B.C./-*RARE
Historical Context:
This is an authentic ancient stamp seal, originating from the Anatolian or Northern Levantine region (modern-day Turkey/Syria) during the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age. This conical, "handled" style of seal was a hallmark of Hittite and Syro-Hittite administrative culture, used by officials and merchants to authorize documents or secure trade goods.
Design & Symbolism:
• Motif: The engraved face features deep, linear incisions that, when pressed (see blue putty impression), reveal a stylised plant or "Tree of Life" branch motif.
• Geometric Detailing: The central design is surrounded by radiating lines and cross-hatching, a common feature used to create a unique personal signature for the seal owner.
• Form: The seal is carved into a conical shape with a pierced suspension hole at the top, allowing it to be worn as a pendant or protective amulet.
Physical Details:
• Material: Likely steatite (soapstone) with a heavy, authentic mineralized patina.
• Condition: Excellent archaeological condition with crisp engravings and no structural damage to the suspension loop.
Collector’s Note:
Seals from this specific region and period are highly collectible as they represent the dawn of personal identification and early bureaucratic systems in the Near East.
Item Specifics
• Culture: Hittite / North Levantine
• Era: Late Bronze Age (approx. 1500–1200 BC)
• Object Type: Conical Stamp Seal / Amulet
• Material: Stone
• Provenance: From a private collection
Weight: 11.3g
Size: 20mm h./25mm dia.
P.S.
Item acquired in 2011 from private seller in USA.
A. R. California
ANCIENT ANATOLIAN/LEVANTINE STAMP SEAL-LATE BRONZE AGE /c. 1500-1200 B.C./-*RARE
Historical Context:
This is an authentic ancient stamp seal, originating from the Anatolian or Northern Levantine region (modern-day Turkey/Syria) during the Late Bronze Age to Early Iron Age. This conical, "handled" style of seal was a hallmark of Hittite and Syro-Hittite administrative culture, used by officials and merchants to authorize documents or secure trade goods.
Design & Symbolism:
• Motif: The engraved face features deep, linear incisions that, when pressed (see blue putty impression), reveal a stylised plant or "Tree of Life" branch motif.
• Geometric Detailing: The central design is surrounded by radiating lines and cross-hatching, a common feature used to create a unique personal signature for the seal owner.
• Form: The seal is carved into a conical shape with a pierced suspension hole at the top, allowing it to be worn as a pendant or protective amulet.
Physical Details:
• Material: Likely steatite (soapstone) with a heavy, authentic mineralized patina.
• Condition: Excellent archaeological condition with crisp engravings and no structural damage to the suspension loop.
Collector’s Note:
Seals from this specific region and period are highly collectible as they represent the dawn of personal identification and early bureaucratic systems in the Near East.
Item Specifics
• Culture: Hittite / North Levantine
• Era: Late Bronze Age (approx. 1500–1200 BC)
• Object Type: Conical Stamp Seal / Amulet
• Material: Stone
• Provenance: From a private collection
Weight: 11.3g
Size: 20mm h./25mm dia.
P.S.
Item acquired in 2011 from private seller in USA.
A. R. California
Details
Culture
Bronze Age
Century/ Timeframe
1500-1200 B.C.
Name of object
Amulet seal
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2020
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
2011
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
