Label Type
Object LabelLabel
Mesopotamian Seals
500–1000 C.E.
Iraq (Mesopotamia)
Stone
Gift of Donald and Nancy Piercy
2000.056.01
Seals were used in Mesopotamian region as early as the 7th millennium B.C.E. when nomadic groups began settling into agricultural societies. Cylinder seals became popular beginning around the 4th millennium B.C.E. Made of metals or soft stones like marble, the cylinder seals had carved images on the side and were rolled to leave impressions onto soft surface like clay tablet, which were used as writing surfaces during this period.
The cylindrical shape allowed more space than flat surfaced seals for complicated imagery, which reflects how the Mesopotamians—who developed one of the first writing systems known as cuneiform around the same time—became more aware of signs and symbols as means of communication. Images on the seals vary depending on their purpose. Simpler diagrams or scenes relating to a person’s job were used as stamps that could identify property and merchandise.
More complicated scenery—such as the seal with hunting scene (on display)—often represented the authority of the person. Images of animals or natural objects were imbued with mystical importance, like the image of a horned animal on display. These iconographic objects often signified talismanic qualities, such as protection or fertility, and were likely worn like amulets by their owners.