Ásia Ocidental Bronze Carimbo Circular (Sem preço de reserva)

A fine Western Asiatic bronze stamp seal featuring a flat, circular face and a flat back. The face of the seal is decorated with a concentric, linear, segmented design, composed of a central cross, resembling a Greek cross. Each quarter is filled with inverted V shapes. The reverse of the face is plain and unworked, apart from a stalk handle which extends from the centre. The handle is cylindrical in shape, perforated at the top, and flares out to a rounded, curved terminal. The terminal of the handle is enriched with two deep grooves, creating three, raised ridges. Minor earthly encrustations and a dark patina to the surface. Signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, scratches, and minor chips to the edges.

Seals were often made of stone however there are also examples rendered in bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, and even 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. Seal amulets with stylised animals have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals were the predominant types in the ancient Near East.

Measurements: (circa) W 4.5cm x H 4.2cm

Provenance: Ex private collection, SM, London, acquired 1970-2000s.