Anatolia or Syria, Proto-Literate period, ca. 3500 - 2900 BCE. This group of four ancient seals or bullae includes two stone and two pottery seals. The pottery seals and one of the stone seals are incised with varying geometric motifs. The triangular-shaped stone seal is incised with what appears to be an abstract representation of a figure in profile. All have perforations for stringing; indicating that they may have been worn as amulets. The most common form of seal impression is the bulla. A bulla (plural, bullae), is a lump of clay or lead molded around a cord and stamped with a seal that identifies the sender. With a bulla in place a container cannot be violated without visible damage to either the bulla or the cord, thereby ensuring the contents remain tamper-proof until they reach their destination. So seal impressions served as a form of signature as well as a form of security! Measurements for the largest example. 1.00"L (2.54 L cm)

Provenance: Ex-Private collection of William Dale, a career diplomat stationed in Turkey in the early 1960's, who acquired a vast collection of Greek, Roman and Near-Eastern treasures during his tenure.

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

Minor surface wear. Else intact and excellent condition.