Ancient Near East & Levant · c. 6000 BCE – 650 CE

Stamp-seal & animal amulets

What it is

Before writing, carved stone animals with a drilled seal face were both identity marks and protective charms: lions, bulls, rams, frogs and nesting birds from Uruk, Jemdet Nasr and Lake Van.

Making yours

2–5 cm. Carve agate, limestone or dickite, drill cross-holes and cut the seal face with shallow drill-holes.

See all 10, save the ones that feel right Ask about having one made

Seal AmuletEgypt, Old Kingdom (2647–2124 BCE), Dynasties 5–6 · 2300–2124 BCE

Seal AmuletEgypt, First Intermediate period (2123–2040 BCE) · 2123–2040 BCE

Recumbent Calf AmuletEgypt, New Kingdom (1540–1069 BCE), Dynasty 18 · 1540–1296 BCE

Stamp-Seal AmuletEgypt, Late period (715–332 BCE), Dynasty 26 or later · 664–525 BCE

Standing animal amuletcirca 2600 date QS:P571,+2600-00-00T00:00:00Z/9,P1480,Q5727902 –2500 B.C.

Seal AmuletEgypt, Old Kingdom (2647–2124 BCE), Dynasty 6 · 2311–2140 BCE

Seal AmuletEgypt, First Intermediate period (2123–2040 BCE), Dynasty 8 · 2134–2124 BCE

Seal AmuletEgypt, Old Kingdom (2647–2124 BCE), Dynasties 5–6 · 2300–2124 BCE

Seal AmuletEgypt, Old Kingdom (2647–2124 BCE), Dynasties 6–8 · 2311–2124 BCE

Seal AmuletEgypt, Old Kingdom (2647–2124 BCE), Dynasties 6–8 · 2311–2140 BCE

Anything in the gallery can be made: any piece, any tradition, in its own material or yours, by hand from the documented original. Numbered. Price on commission, quoted before anything is made. I reply within one business day.