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Mesopotamian ca. 4000 B.C.
Stamp seals as opposed to cylinder seals were the earliest type of seal used in ancient times.
Each was carved with a different decoration as a symbol for the seals.
Seals were used to impress on clay placed on top of cords to secure merchandise. They were used to keep individuals from tampering with the merchandise as well as to identify who the owner of the owner of the merchandise actually was. Theft was rampant and seals of this type were used to try to hinder the theives of those days.
See modern impression of seal design.

Š2001-2002 Museum of Biblical World

Collections > Seals > Green Stone Gable Seal	< Previous \| Next >


Mesopotamian ca. 4000 B.C. Stamp seals as opposed to cylinder seals were the earliest type of seal used in ancient times. Each was carved with a different decoration as a symbol for the seals. Seals were used to impress on clay placed on top of cords to secure merchandise. They were used to keep individuals from tampering with the merchandise as well as to identify who the owner of the owner of the merchandise actually was. Theft was rampant and seals of this type were used to try to hinder the theives of those days. See modern impression of seal design.