Near Eastern Seals (Interpreting the Past Series) (Paperback)

by Dominique Collon (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A rich source of pictorial information about the Ancient Near East comes to us in the form of miniature reliefs, created from the impressions made in clay by tiny engraved stone seals. Originally used for sealing goods and writing tablets, these seals now provide important evidence for administrative practices, technical development, and long-distance trade. The designs themselves record religious beliefs, mythical characters, architectural styles, musical instruments, festivals, sport, warfare, transportation, and fashions in dress. In this first comprehensive introduction to pre-Islamic Near Eastern seals, Dominique Collon discusses cylinder sealsa form unique to the Ancient Near Eastas well as stamp seals, the earliest dating from the fifth millennium B.C. As a reflection of how their owners saw the world around them, Near Eastern seals are an essential tool for archaeologists in interpreting the past.

About the Author
Dominique Collon is a curator in the Department of Western Asiatic Antiquities in the British Museum and a leading authority on cylinder seals. She has published a comprehensive survey entitled First Impressions, as well as a number of scholarly studies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: University of California Press (December 4, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0520073088
• ISBN-13: 978-0520073081
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.7 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #565,427 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to Near Eastern Cylinder seals, March 31, 1998

By	Joe Gonzalez ([e-mail]) (Hayward, CA, USA) - See all my reviews

Collon's book provides an excellent overview of Near Eastern Seals. A useful chronology for both stamp and cylinder seals is provided, as well as information on materials, designs, and stone-cutting techniques. The majority of the photographs and text focus on cylinder seals, but a few stamp seals are also included.