Cylinder seal

Cylinder Seal

A cylinder seal from ancient Mesopotamia

A **cylinder seal** is a small cylindrical object used in ancient times to create impressions or seals on clay or wax. These seals were primarily used in administrative, legal, and commercial transactions, as well as for personal identification and authentication purposes. Cylinder seals were prevalent in various ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley.

History

The use of cylinder seals dates back to around 3500 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, where they were initially made from stone, such as limestone or hematite. Over time, the materials used for cylinder seals expanded to include precious stones like lapis lazuli and carnelian. The seals were often intricately carved with various designs, including mythological scenes, religious symbols, and depictions of rulers and deities.

Function

Cylinder seals were used by rolling them across a soft material, such as clay or wax, leaving behind an impression of the carved design. These impressions served as a form of signature or seal, indicating the authority or ownership of the individual who possessed the seal. The impressions made by cylinder seals were used to authenticate documents, mark ownership of goods, and secure the contents of containers.

Significance

Cylinder seals played a crucial role in the administrative and legal systems of ancient civilizations. They provided a means of verifying the authenticity of documents and transactions, ensuring the integrity of contracts and agreements. Cylinder seals also served as a form of identification, allowing individuals to assert their authority or ownership in various contexts.

Cultural Significance

Cylinder seals not only had practical uses but also held cultural and religious significance. The designs carved on the seals often depicted mythological narratives, religious rituals, and scenes from daily life. These images provided insights into the beliefs, values, and social structures of ancient civilizations. Cylinder seals were also used as amulets or talismans, believed to possess protective or magical properties.

Legacy

The use of cylinder seals declined with the advent of writing systems, such as cuneiform in Mesopotamia. However, their influence can still be seen in modern-day practices, such as the use of official seals and signatures. Cylinder seals have also become valuable artifacts for archaeologists and historians, providing valuable insights into ancient cultures and their systems of governance.

See Also

• Ancient Mesopotamia
• Cuneiform
• Seal (emblem)

External Links

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Cylinder Seals
• British Museum - Cylinder Seals Collection