Gems, Seals & Intaglios

Seal in the Shape of a Lion’s Head

Modeled in the shape of a stylized leonine protome (the head is complete, but the body is a simple half-circle representing the mane of the animal), it was carved from a cream-colored limestone veined with red; it is pierced vertically by a hole and was therefore intended to be worn as a pendant (necklace or bracelet).

The flat lower part of the object actually bears the seal of the owner and of his goods: it is adorned with drawings made with a bouterolle (a sort of drill).