A Near Eastern Steatite Stamp Seal, Late Neolithic Period, ca. 5300 - 5100 BCE Byzantine The beast is rendered in

The beast is rendered in relief

acquired in the late 1970's

Strung as a pendant on an 18K yellow gold chain adjustable up to 18 inches

Dimensions: Height: 1

Condition:  Three small holes on one side of the situla that do not detract from the relief

A Near Eastern Steatite Stamp Seal, Late Neolithic Period, ca. 5300 - 5100 BCE Byzantine The beast is rendered inCarved from grey steatite, this example is of oval form and a raised central drill hole, the base incised with horizontal bands bisected by diagonal lines. Stamp seals were used in a similar way to modern signet rings: a negative object used to impress a design into another material, often clay. They are common from around 7000 BCE and have remained in continuous use in parts of the world to the present day. cf: Denham, Simon, Late Neolithic and Early