A rare Egyptian Steatite Cylinder Seal with Anubis, Early Dynastic Period - Old Kingdom, ca. 3000 - 2750 BCE

Carved black steatite cylinder seal carved with ten stylized linear anubis figures. Seals were most often made of stone but also sometimes of bone, ivory, faience, glass, metal, wood, or even sun-dried or baked clay. A recessed inscription was carved onto the cylinder, which produced a raised impression when rolled on a clay tablet or envelope. Cylinder seals were used to protect vessels, clay envelopes and storeroom door latches from tampering. They guaranteed authenticity, marked ownership, indicated participation in a legal transaction and protected goods against theft. Medium: Steatite Dimensions: Height: 7/8 inch (2.1 cm) Condition: Some scattered surface deposits, the seal is intact and in very good condition overall. Provenance: J.N. Claesen, collection, Netherlands, assembled prior to 1975. Thereafter M.A. Ryun collection, Dallas , acquired in London before 1980. Thereafter private Connecticut collection, then private Virginia collection, acquired from the NY trade in