Carnelian? Seal

1900.53.0032A

Thumbnail of Carnelian? Seal (1900.53.0032A)

Basic Information

Artifact Identification Carnelian? Seal   (1900.53.0032A)
Classification/
Nomenclature
  1. Communication Artifacts
  2. :
  3. Personal Symbols
  4. :
  5. Personal Identification
Artist/Maker None
Geographic Location
Period/Date Hellenistic - Roman, 1st century BCE – 3rd century CE
Culture Graeco-Roman

Physical Analysis

Dimension 1 (Height) 2.85 cm
Dimension 2 (Length) 1.2 cm
Dimension 3 (Width) 1.0 cm
Weight 8.12 g
Measuring Remarks None
Materials Stone--Quartz--Chalcedony--Carnelian
Manufacturing Processes Carved, Drilling, Incising
Munsell Color Information Strong Reddish Brown (10 R 3/8) -ns

Research Remarks

Published Description

Rogers: An octagonal (cylinder) seal of beautiful red stone. Every face of the seal has its own design, all characterized by grace and beauty of workmanship. One side contains a miniature engraving of a half moon, a dog and a cedar tree. Turning the seal to the right is an eight pointed star, a goat with long horns and fleece, and perhaps a bird. The next figure is a nude dancing girl, with the crescent moon tipped, just above her head. On the next side, and facing the female figure is a nude man/herm. He seems to be standing in what resembles a man's hat. Above his forehead two feathers curve gracefully backwards. The last face of the seal pictures the female figure reclining head in hand, while the other hand is resting on her bent knees. A dog crouches beside her. Towards the top of the seal is a triangluar figure. Porada: Erotic

Description N/A
Comparanda N/A
Bibliography

Porada, Edith. "Concordance of Seals in the Oriental Museum, UIUC." Unpublished ms., ca. 1950. Rogers, Frances. Babylonian Seal Cylinders as a Historical Source, UIUC Master's Thesis, 1929.

Artifact History

Archaeological Data N/A
Credit Line/Dedication N/A
Reproduction no
Reproduction Information N/A

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