The Symmetries of the Icons on Ancient Seals

Author(s): Amelia Carolina Sparavigna

In this paper, we discuss the symmetries of the icons engraved on some ancient seals, in particular on the stamp seals. Used since the Neolithic times to impress some decorations, these early seals had probably the social function of allowing the identification of their owners too. The first seals were engraved with simple geometric images, then animals and humans appeared, arranged on their small circular or elliptic surfaces with bilateral and rotational symmetries.

Symmetry, Seals, Scarab Seals

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