Hellenistic period
0.102 m
0.013 m
Denecker E. and Vandorpe K. (2007), Sealed amphora stoppers and tradesmen in Greco-Roman Egypt: archaeological, papyrological and inscriptional evidence, In: BABesch 82, p. 115-128.
Ross Thomas, Naukratis: Greeks in Egypt, Ptolemaic, Roman and Byzantine amphorae and stoppers, The British Museum, p. 19. Schultheis Wolfgang (1982), Amphoren, Bestimmung und Einteilung nach ihren Merkmolen, Bonn, p. 104.
Simantoni-Bournia Eva (1992), La ceramique a reliefs au Musee de Chios, Βιβλιοθήκη της Εν Αθήναις Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας Αρ. 125, Αθήνα, σ. 117.
Clay circular “bread seal” with relief decoration
Whole clay circular stamp semicircular cross-section without handle. One side is flat, while the other is slightly curved. The central motif on the stamping surface is a relief six-pointed rossette, flanked by two concentric circles, with linear decorative motifs. Rosette leaves alternate with vertical spiraling stems.
The motif of the rosette had been in use since the Mycenaean era, symbolizing the sun and its rays. It evolved into a funerary symbol, representing the cycle of life, death and rebirth, frequently found on grave stelae of the Hellenistic period. It is a timeless symbol, used by many religions worldwide. After the transition from the ancient religion of the Twelve Olympian Gods to Christianity, the rosette was adopted as a symbol of the Virgin Mary.
According to its archaeological parallels, this stamp is identified as a “bread” stamp. Despite their name, these stamps were not used on bread. They were vessel stamps, most likely for amphorae, and possibly also for pithoi. They were used on large amphorae with a mouth diameter matching that of the stamp, to stamp the clay that covered the mouth of the vessel and ensure the airtight sealing of the amphora. On pithoi, we find the stamp imprint on their body, serving as a decorative or other element. The closest parallels are found in the collection of “bread” stamps at the British Museum, specifically from the period of the Hellenistic Kingdoms, particularly the Ptolemaic Kingdom, from the city of Naukratis in Egypt.