Serpentine hemispheroid seal
Unknown Artist
ca. 1900–1750 BCE
Medium
Serpentine
Dimensions
Diameter 1.25 cm; H. 0.6 cm
Classification
Gems
Culture & Period
Minoan · Middle Minoan II
Department
Greek and Roman Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926
Accession Number
26.31.127
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite serpentine hemispheroid, crafted around 1900–1750 BCE during the Middle Minoan II, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant world of Minoan Crete. Carved from lustrous green serpentine—a-precious stone prized for smooth texture and durability—the seal measures just 1.25 cm in diameter 0.6 cm high. Its compact, half-sphere shape made it perfect for stamping clay impressions, likely used to secure documents, storage jars, or goods, signifying ownership or administrative authority in this advanced Bronze Age society. Engraved on its flat surface are Minoan hieroglyphs, an ear...