Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Central Asia, Afghanistan / Turkmenistan region, Bactria-Margiana (Oxus Civilization), Bronze Age, ca. 3000 to 1500 BCE. A pair of cast leaded-copper stamp seals with linear patterning across the circular faces, and loop handles on the verso. The larger is an openwork or compartmented seal with an abstract eagle, the wings outstretched, while the other is cruciform motif. Researchers have various theories on how these stamps were used, including markers for individuals or ownership - however due to repeated patterns in seals - it more likely the patterns were shared symbols of power or protection rather than markers of individuals. Similar marks from seal impressions have been found on pottery as well. Size of compartmented seal: 1.3" Diameter x 0.6" W (3.3 cm x 1.5 cm)

Provenance: private Matrisciano collection, Thousand Oaks, California, USA, before 2002

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#176558

  • Condition: Perforations and stable tears to verso of compartmented seal. Other seal is intact with heavy patina and green oxidation and softening to seal face.

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March 19, 2023 9:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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