What is a cylinder seal? It is an ancient rolling stamp typically about an inch in size, often made in stone, carved with images and early writing, usually with a hole through the center so it could be worn on a leather cord and carried easily. The function was thought to be for documentation purposes, such as trading. The stone seal would be rolled into wet clay and then baked to form a type of ancient receipt. They are thought to have been invented around 3500 B.C. and are typically found in the Near East. For my jewelry purposes, I am using museum replicas of ancient seals.
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An example of a cylinder seal. |
Horse and Chariot Bracelet
(pictured with Philistine ring, seen below) Created with a museum replica of an ancient cylinder seal found in Israel, depicting a tribe of people from Elam called Elamites, invading Babylon on a horse and chariot. The figure holding the staff indicates the King, defeating the Kassite dynasty in the 12th century. The star cluster indicates victory. Sterling silver, oxidized. Horse and Chariot Bracelet |
Horse and Chariot Necklace
A detail from the ancient cylinder seal pictured at left, depicted in sterling silver, oxidized. Horse and Chariot Necklace |
Ancient Patterned Ring from a Imprinted Phillistine Cylinder SealThis is a ring I made from an imprint of a museum replica of an ancient, 4000 year old cylinder seal found in Israel, depicting the Philistine people in battle. Well, they were in battle a lot, if you recall their Biblical fame! Long ago, when most people couldn't read or write, they would carry a seal strung on a leather cord around their necks, and when they had need of making a trade official, they would roll this seal into wet clay to pick up the imprint. The clay was baked to make the 'receipt' last indefinitely.
The Philistines were a sea- faring people who came from an unknown land and settled in the land of Canaan. They were known for wearing feathered headdresses, and on this seal, you can see a large bird-like creature depicted larger that anything else, presumably indicating their dominance. I include a history card with each piece. I have made this wide-banded ring in sterling silver and I taper the back to make it really comfortable. I oxidize the ring, and the tone will vary with each ring slightly. That's part of the fun. Available in sized 5- 8.5. |
Philistine NecklacePhilistine Cylinder Seal Necklace
This necklace is made from a detail of the ancient Philistine cylinder seal, described at left. Sterling silver with champagne freshwater pearl. 16" or 18" 
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Indus River Valley NecklaceIndus River Valley Necklace
Sterling silver necklace created with an imprint of cylinder seal from the Indus river valley, between India and Pakistan. Available on leather or sterling chain, 16" or 18". |