Cylinder seals are characteristic artifacts of
ancient Mesopotamian civilization and are
considered some of their finest artistic
achievements. The seals first appear during the
Protoliterate Period (around 3400–2900 B.C.),
and, although the earliest examples were
engraved with primarily geometric, magical, or
animal patterns, later seals incorporated the
owner's name and depicted a variety of motifs.
Sometimes the elements were arranged in
symmetrical, decorative patterns; often, however,
an action was represented. Cylinder seals were
employed in marking personal property and in
making documents legally binding by rolling the
seal across wet clay, thereby marking the unique
“signature” engraved on the cylinder. Their
fashioning and use were adopted by surrounding
civilizations, such as those of Egypt and the
Indus valley.
- (CK.0208)
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