One of twenty-one seals c. 800

This agate seal from around 800 CE depicts a stylized, winged figure, perhaps a god, that was likely used to imprint designs on clay or wax for official documents or personal seals. It is one of twenty-one such seals in the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection, showcasing a diverse range of imagery and stylistic choices common in ancient seal making. The carved detail, while simple, reflects the importance of the seal in ancient societies, serving as a visual representation of authority, ownership, or even religious belief.