One of twenty-one seals c. 800

This is a cylindrical seal, one of twenty-one such objects from the 8th century. Created from a red stone, the seal likely belonged to a person of high social standing. The intricate design carved into the seal suggests a strong connection to ancient Egyptian beliefs. This type of seal was used to imprint designs onto clay or wax, serving as a unique identifier or personal mark. The Minneapolis Institute of Art's collection of these ancient seals offer insight into the customs and artistic traditions of the period.