Cylinder Seal Studies

Cylinder seal studies involve the examination of ancient small, cylindrical artifacts, typically made of stone, that were used to imprint designs or symbols onto clay. These seals, primarily from Mesopotamia, served various purposes, including marking ownership, authenticating documents, and conveying messages. Scholars analyze the images, inscriptions, and materials to gain insights into the culture, economic systems, and social hierarchies of ancient civilizations. By understanding the artistic styles and motifs, researchers can connect these artifacts to historical events and individuals, shedding light on the values and beliefs of the societies that created them.