seal engraving
Quick Summary
Seal engraving involves creating an impression on a softer material, like wax or clay, using a hard, engraved surface. This practice, dating back to antiquity, was primarily used to authenticate documents, functioning much like a signature today. The study of seals is known as sigillography.12
Ancient seals came in two main types: cylinder seals, characteristic of Mesopotamia, and stamp seals. Cylinder seals, small engraved stones, were rolled onto wet clay to leave an impression and were used for marking property and legalizing documents. Seals have also been used throughout history for various purposes, including administrative warrants, closing documents for secrecy, and affirming assent. While their use has declined with the rise of signatures, states and institutions continue to use seals for formal ratification.23
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