A fine Western Asiatic black hardstone stamp seal featuring an Aramaic inscription on one side and an anthropomorphic figure on the other. The seal has a drum-shaped body, with a suspension loop at the top, now chipped with a segment missing. On one of the rounded faces, an Aramaic inscription is set in two lines within an encircling band. On the other, an anthropomorphic figure has been depicted seated. The sides of the seal are further enriched by incised lines. Earthly encrustations, and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, minor chipping, and scratches. Seals in antiquity were often made of stone, however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and occasionally sun-dried or baked clay. In the ancient world, seals guaranteed the authenticity of marked ownership. As such, they were instrumental in legal transactions and in the protection of goods against theft. Measurements: (circa) L 4.5cm x W 3.3cm x H 1.3cm Provenance: Ex private collection, SM, London, acquired 1969-1999.