Clay and stone seals

Clay seals with Christian motifs

Material: Clay
Date: 6th–7th c. AD (approx.)
Origin: Eastern Mediterranean

These small clay seals display Christian decorative motifs, including stylized crosses and inscriptions rendered in both raised and sunken relief. Several rectangular seals feature symmetrical cross patterns, while a rounded seal bears a clearly legible inscription. At the right, a fragment of a jar rim preserves the impressed mark of a similar seal, demonstrating how such objects were used to stamp vessels or offerings for liturgical contexts. Together, the pieces illustrate the dual function of these seals as practical identifiers and expressions of personal devotion in early Byzantine religious life.

Museum label reference:

Left section (Greek): Πήλινες σφραγίδες με το ίδιο διακοσμητικό θέμα, που αποδίδεται στη μία με ανάγλυφη και στην άλλη με έγγλυφη τεχνική, 6ος-7ος αι. (?) BXM 257, 259

Left section (English): Clay seals bearing the same decorative motif which is rendered in either raised or sunken relief. 6th-7th c. (?)

Right section (Greek): Πήλινη σφραγίδα με σταυρό και επιγραφή (Επάνω). Τμήμα από χείλος πιθαριού που φέρει αποτύπωμα παρόμοιας σφραγίδας. 6ος αι. BXM 261, 1876

Right section (English): Clay seal with cross and inscription. (Above): Part of jar rim with the imprint of a similar seal. 6th c.