With raised cross hatch pattern. Seals were most often made of stone but also sometimes of bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, or even sun-dried or baked clay. A recessed inscription was carved onto the cylinder, which produced a raised impression when rolled on a clay tablet or envelope. Cylinder seals were used to protect vessels, clay envelopes and storeroom door latches from tampering. They guaranteed authenticity, marked ownership, indicated participation in a legal transaction and protected goods against theft. A similar example has been found at the Giza Plateau Mapping project that allows exactness of dating. See: http://www.aeraweb.org/lost_city_rab.asp Published: Kaplony, P., "Die Rollsiegel des Alten Reichs," 1981, Tafel 149  #1. Dimensions: Height: 28mm x Diameter:10mm.

PROVENANCE: Dr. Ulrich Mueller, Switzerland, private collection acquired Sotheby's 1975 (seal is still in original Sotheby's bag).


(no reserve)

Intact with some expected wear and minor chips to the body, overall in good condition.