The cylinder seal is an ancient form of a signature, rolled on a variety of objects made of clay to leave an impression. First developed in Mesopotamia, cylinder seals served as a marker of ownership and identity. Seals were also believed to have protective properties and were often perforated through the middle to be worn as jewellery or pinned on garments; these shielding qualities were rooted in the material of the seal itself or the imagery. Such images also provide invaluable snapshots of life and culture in these ancient Eastern societies; the durability of the seals’ material, such as stone, metal, and fired clay, also increases the survival of these historical pieces.
To find out more about Mesopotamian cylinder seals, please see our relevant blog post: Mesopotamian Cylinder Seals—Exploring Glyptic Images
