Amulet and Signature Seal Stone c. 6th century

This 6th-century amulet and signature seal stone from the Minneapolis Institute of Art is a small, carved stone featuring a figure standing before a tree. The figure is shown wearing a long garment and holding a staff, possibly representing a deity or a prominent figure. The seal stone is made of chalcedony, a type of quartz, and its small size suggests it may have been worn as a personal amulet. The inscription on the seal stone would have been used to identify the owner and may have held symbolic meaning, providing a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of its time.