One of twenty-one seals c. 800

This carnelian seal, dating to c. 800, is an example of ancient seal carving. It depicts a stylized human figure, possibly a deity, framed by a wreath of leaves. Seals like this were used for authentication and identification, impressed into clay or wax to mark ownership or authority. This particular seal, crafted by an anonymous artist, is currently part of the Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection.