Ellipsoid carnelian stamp decorated with a scorpion, Sassanian period (224 – 677 AD), 2.4 x 1.9 x 1.3 cm.

Stamps and seals – Stamp seals and signet rings

Material: Gems/Pearls | Type: Seals/Stamps | Countries: Iraq

  • Period

    6th millennium – 300 BC

  • Red List

    Emergency Red List – Iraq

Category

Stamps and seals – Stamp seals and signet rings
Stone, terracotta, shell, bone. Engraved or carved, pierced through its centre or at the top. With geometric or figurative motifs (humans, animals, deities, buildings) in mythological, religious and/or daily life scenes.

Stamp seals may be ellipsoidal or animal-, gable- or pyramid-shaped. Rings have a flat top with motifs in relief. Size: pictures 1.5-3 cm, seals 2-4 cm.
© Musée du Louvre, dist. RMN-Grand Palais, Paris / Raphaël Chipault