Cylinder Seal Glyptic in Predynastic Egypt and Neighbouring Regions

ISBN-13: 9781841715889 / Angielski / Miękka / 2004 / 146 str.

Jane A. Hill

Opis

Excavations of Predynastic and early Dynastic cemeteries in Abydos revealed examples of cylinder seal impressions which depicted geometric symbols, rows of animals and single figures or objects, such as boats or birds. This detailed study focuses on finds from each tomb complex in turn before Hill places these objects in their cultural context, assessing the significance of seals as magical objects, as works of art and as administrative tools. The volume goes on to consider comparative examples from Nubia and parallels in Mesopotamia where the use of seals was far more widespread during this period. Finally, Hill considers the function of seals, what they were sealing and what this reveals about foreign trade.

Prior to the last decade, few cylinder seals and no impressed sealings had ever been discovered in Predynastic Egyptian archaeological contexts. This monograph reviews important new finds from Abydos (Upper Egyptian Cemetery U) which demonstrate that cylinder seals were indeed used for sealing purposes, as well as other finds from Egypt and Nubia, which may be reevaluated in light of these discoveries. Seals and sealings from Lower Nubia and the southern Palestinian site of ‘En Besor are examined to trace the development of the Predynastic Egyptian glyptic style from the Naqada IId period to the beginning of the First Dynasty. This development is used to suggest a sequence for other Predynastic art works without provenance. The social and political implications of early Egyptian cylinder seal use are also examined using models established in the study of Mesopotamian seal use and sealing practices