Bactrian Bronze Seal Stamp with Cross Motif

$118.18

A fine Western Asiatic Bactrian bronze seal stamp featuring a central cross motif modelled inside a radiating circle featuring twelve shorter arms. The lug handle attached in the centre on the reverse is missing the central section, it would have originally been used for suspension. Earthly encrustation and dark green patination to the surface.

Date: Circa 2nd Millennium BC
Condition: Fine. Some green and brown patination remain on the surface.

SOLD

SKU: CS-249 Category: Tags: , ,

Bactria was a historical region in Central Asia, it covered areas of modern-day Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The stamps were frequently produced in either copper or bronze and would feature distinctive figural or geometric patterns. These designs would be pressed into clay or wax to mark one’s ownership. Different cultures would craft their stamp seal shape accordingly, Bactrian depict a compartmented shape like this seal stamp. By the 3rd millennium BC, stamp seals of this type were replaced with cylinder seals.

Weight 34 g
Dimensions W 5.2 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Reference: For a similar item, The British Museum, item number 1993,0129.3