Beuthe, TP; (2016) Seals and sealing practices in early administration in southwestern Asia and Egypt during the fourth to third millennium BCE. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Egypt and southwestern Asia developed into societies with hierarchical organization during the 4th millennium BCE. Cylinder seals first came into use as administrative devices in these regions during this period. By examining how cylinder seals were used in both regions in the 4th to 3rd millennium, this thesis investigates how cultural and administrative practices related to cylinder sealing first emerged and developed in these regions. Changes in seal use over time in southwestern Asia and Egypt are also explored, taking into account the emergence of stamp seal use in Egypt in the 3rd millennium. Fourth millennium countersealing practices (the practice of impressing more than one seal on a piece of clay used for administrative purposes) in both regions are also scrutinized as a means of examining the development of seal use in southwestern Asia and Egypt. Previous studies of early cylinder seals from these regions have focused on seal inscriptions or the iconography of the seals. Instead, this thesis analyses locations where seals and impressions were found (i.e. settlements, tombs), to investigate how both southwestern Asia and Egypt employed cylinder seals as well as stamp seals, and seal impressions. Administrative practices employing these devices are examined along with the unique cultural perceptions of these artefacts at each site. This evidence is used to examine how these two complex societies developed differently during the 4th to 3rd millennium.

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