Cylinder seals have been used for thousands of years. First evidence comes from the Neolithic period in Syria. The cylinder seal is sometimes intricately carved. It can portray an event, story or deific tribute. It's often used for personal identification.
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Cylinder seals are usually small, 1 - 2 in (2.5 - 5 cm) long. The owner's name or symbol is typically included in the design. A vast variety of stones can be used to make cylinder seals including limestone, steatite (soapstone), hematite and greenstone.
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Greenstone varieties good for carving include nephrite, serpentine, steatite, greenschist, chlorastrolite, omphacite, chrysoprase, olivine and jadeite. The famous Hattusa green stone of the Hittites is nephrite jade.
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The seal above shows a ritual with winged deities of protection. Usually cylinder seals are made from hardstones but exceptions abound. The cylinder seal can be a type of engraved gem.
Glass or ceramics as in Egyptian faience may be used. Other stones used for cylinder seals include obsidian or volcanic glass; quartzite, amethyst, lapis lazuli and carnelian.
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Mesopotamia is an alluvial or river-fed region and lacks hard stone for carving. The large stones of early cylinders are imported from other regions.
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Common trade items from Mesopotamia include wheat & grains; flax, hemp or castor oil; pottery, leather and leather goods. Mesopotamians also trade baskets, mats, textiles and jewelry.
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The stones for cylinder seals might come from Iran or Afghanistan, the latter being the preferred ancient world source of lapis lazuli. Most seals are made with a hole through the center.
Worn on a necklace, especially the gem varieties, they're always available when needed. Royalty, tradespeople and merchants, and even commoners can acquire a personalized seal with name and images of protective or tutelary deities.
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The impressions of cylinder seals are found on various surfaces including:
amulets
bales of commodities
bricks
clay tablets
cloth
components of made objects
doors
envelopes
storage jars
Cylinder-seal impressions have multiple functions. As administrative tools, a form of signature, and for product branding, seals are popular for official and commercial use. The cylinders are also worn as jewelry or magical amulets.
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Quartz generates a lot of varieties, from clear rock crystal to phenomenal banded onyx, mysterious agate and colorful jasper. They each have a unique spiritual essence and make a lasting impression.
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