Anatolian Red Jasper Stamp Seal

Culture: Anatolia

Period: 4th millennium B.C.

Material: Red Jasper

Dimensions: 1.5 cm x 2.6 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 6488

Provenance: From the German collection Gustav Oberländer (1926-2012).

Condition: Minor ancient chippings, otherwise intact.

Description: Rectangular stamp seal of red jasper with deeply engraved stylized animals. On the right a cub with raised tail and long horns, behind the head of the grazing dam. The image area is framed by deep grooves. On the back a pierced eyelet on the narrow side for suspension. In ancient times seals guaranteed the authenticity of labelled properties. As such, they served for legal transactions and protected good from theft. Usually, these seals were worn around the neck or on a belt, where they always were handy.