The original cylinder seals were impression stamps, used by everyone from royalty to slaves. They were a form of signature, used to authorize transactions, notarize clay documents, control the movement and storage of goods, act as protective amulets and as signs of personal identity or professional affiliation. Many of them are of the highest artistic quality, illustrating mythological subjects and often accompanied by cuneiform inscriptions identifying the owner. They were carved from hardstones, such as jasper, chalcedony, agate, obsidian, carnelian and hematite, and some were a form of engraved gem.
A seal was a prized possession, and its loss was taken as seriously as losing a credit card or identity theft is taken today. Most seals had a hole running through the centre, and they were thought to have typically been worn on a necklace to be always available when needed.
Although inspired by ancient cylinder seals from Mesopotamia, the carvings on this modern-day seal were taken from the decorated margins around on the pages of medieval illuminated manuscripts (called marginalia) held at the Getty Museum. Granulated caps fit over each end of the seal.
The chain is not included and is available separately.
One-of-a-kind.