Seal of John Komnenos, sebastos and doux of Skopia (XI/XII c.) XI/XII c.

Editor: This is a lead seal from the 11th or 12th century, made by John Komnenos. It's small and unassuming, but I find it quite powerful. What story do you think it tells? Curator: It whispers of authority, doesn't it? I imagine John Komnenos pressing this very seal, grounding his power in lead, connecting to us across centuries. Do you sense the weight of bureaucracy, or perhaps just the man himself? Editor: I mostly see the man and the time that has passed, but now that you point it out, I suppose it did have some authority. Thank you for that! Curator: It’s like holding a fragment of a dream, isn't it? A tangible connection to a life lived, a decision made. It reminds us that even the smallest objects can carry immense weight.