The cylinder seal is an ancient Mesopotamian equivalent of a signature, rolled on a variety of objects made of clay to leave an impression. For instance, seal impressions on cuneiform tablets could identify the writer of the documents. Impressions could also be left on sealings to proclaim ownership their owner and deter theft. Seals were also believed to have protective properties and are often perforated through the middle to be worn as jewellery or pinned on garments. The images carved onto seals often depict ideas and beliefs fundamental to ancient Mesopotamian culture. Many cylinder seals have survived to modern times due to the durability of the materials use – stone, metal and fired clay. Unlike most ancient artifacts, cylinder seals appear almost exactly as they would have looked to the ancient people who used them.
To find out more about Mesopotamian cylinder seals, please see our relevant blog post: Mesopotamian Cylinder Seals—Exploring Glyptic Images
