Cylinder Seal (Treasure of Tod)
GEM Number
65747
Collection
Main Galleries
Period
Middle Kingdom
Dynasty
12
Description
A cylindrical seal carved of lapis lazuli with Mesopotamian motifs. It was discovered in 1936 among other artefacts as part of the Tod Treasure. The seal was pierced so that it could be hung on a string and when needed rolled on soft clay to indicate ownership or authenticate a document. It is decorated with two incised registers: a striated lower register and an upper register showing three quadrupeds with antelope-like horns in motion.
Region
Upper Egypt
Area
Luxor
Lapis-Lazuli
Height
0.3 cm