Central Asia, Bactria-Margiana, ca. 3000 to 2500 BCE. A large cast copper alloy stamp seal cachet with an elongated handle and piercing on the tip for suspension. The circular stamp face is cast with a cruciform pattern with cross of equal sized arms with raised ridges in the central recessed areas. This striking tool could be worn as a pendant or suspended from a belt. Bactrian items like this are sometimes known as "compartmented" seals and were cast both in geometric (like this one) and figural patterns; they are distinctive to this region. The surface has developed rich layers of green and brown patina and the motif is well preserved! Size: 1.8" W x 2" H (4.6 cm x 5.1 cm)

Provenance: private Southern California collection, USA, bestowed 2006; ex-J. Malter collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired before 2006

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#161146

Chips and loss to rim of stamp face. Stable hairline cracks. Light earthen encrustations in recessed areas. Nice green patina.