Seals played a significant role in Western society, from ancient times through the medieval period to the modern era. Used as a means to prove personal rights, ownership, and to give legal authority to official documents, the culture of seals developed extensively in Europe. However, over time, their role gradually diminished, and in modern society, the culture of seals has almost disappeared. This article traces the history of seal culture in the West, from its inception to its decline, and explores the reasons behind its fall.
The Origins and Development of Seal Culture
The Birth of Seals in Mesopotamia
The history of seals dates back to around 3000 BCE, in Mesopotamian civilization. The first seals used in this region were “cylinder seals,” which were rolled over clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform writing, leaving a continuous impression that proved the authenticity of documents. Cylinder seals often featured depictions of gods and geometric patterns, symbolizing faith and ownership.
The Sumerians and Babylonians, particularly with the rise of commercial activities, used seals as a means to validate contracts. They would write the contract details on a clay tablet, seal it in a clay envelope, and imprint the seal to prevent tampering. This sealing method influenced later cultures in Egypt and Greece.
The Uniqueness of Seal Culture in Egypt
The cylinder seal from Mesopotamia was also used in Egypt, but over time it was replaced by the uniquely Egyptian “scarab seal.” The scarab, symbolizing the sun god Khepri, held strong religious significance. Scarab seals were mainly used to seal papyrus documents or containers and, unlike the Mesopotamian use of clay tablets, were more suitable for portable papyrus.
Scarab seals often featured the names of kings and sacred symbols, and they were widely used by royalty and the nobility. Additionally, a “heart scarab” was placed in mummies in place of the heart, serving as a talisman to invoke resurrection and rebirth.
The Influence of Crete and Minoan Civilization
In the Aegean Sea, the Minoan civilization (around 2600-1400 BCE) also saw the development of seal culture. Archaeological finds from Crete reveal seals in various shapes, including prismatic and oval, which, while influenced by Mesopotamian and Egyptian styles, also introduced unique designs.
Notably, many seals featured marine motifs such as dolphins, octopuses, and starfish, reflecting the seafaring nature of the Minoans. In the later stages of the Minoan civilization, ring seals emerged, influencing Greek and Roman cultures.
Seals in Ancient Greece and Rome
In ancient Greece, ring seals became common, with portraits of the owner or depictions of mythological gods, such as Apollo, Hermes, and Aphrodite, becoming popular designs, thus increasing both the religious and artistic value of seals. Greek seal culture was inherited by the Romans, evolving into a more practical form.
In the Roman Empire, seals became a symbol of social status, and they were used by nobility, citizens, and even slaves. Early seals were mainly made of iron, but over time, luxurious ring seals made of gold, silver, and precious stones were created.
Historical figures like Julius Caesar and Augustus used seals bearing their portraits, which later contributed to the popularity of portrait seals in Europe.
The Flourishing of Seal Culture in Medieval Europe
In medieval Europe, seals were used across all levels of society. Nobles, clergy, and merchants all had their own seals, which were used to authenticate business transactions and land ownership. Towns and guilds also had their own seals, used for official documents.
At this time, seals were not only used to prove ownership but were closely related to the development of heraldry. Family crests were engraved on seals, symbolizing family history and social status.
A particularly important innovation during this period was the widespread use of “wax seals.” Documents were bound with a string, and wax was dripped onto the knot, with the seal being impressed onto it to create a seal. This provided a guarantee that the document had not been opened by a third party.
The Decline of Seal Culture with Modernization
The Industrial Revolution brought about significant changes in society, particularly with the advancement of printing technology, which allowed for the rapid production of large quantities of documents. As a result, the use of seals began to decline.
Additionally, the widespread adoption of signatures allowed for the authentication of documents without the need for a seal, accelerating the decline of seal culture. With the modernization of legal systems, contract forms no longer relied on seals. In commercial and financial transactions, systems emphasizing signatures and witnesses became more common, further diminishing the need for seals.
After the 19th century, especially in Western Europe, seals were mainly used for ceremonial purposes. For example, seals were used on royal charters or government-issued medals and decorations.
The End of Seal Culture in Modern Society
By the late 20th century, the digital revolution had reduced the use of paper documents, leading to the widespread adoption of electronic signatures and digital certificates as new methods of authentication.
These technologies prevent document tampering through encryption and allow for the identification of signatories, making traditional seal-based certification obsolete.
However, seals are still used in certain cultural and traditional contexts. For example, university diplomas and some official documents may still bear seals, in order to honor tradition.
Conclusion
The end of seal culture in the West was an inevitable result of the changing times. However, the role of seals and their historical significance are still important and continue to be remembered.
Seal culture, an important cultural heritage not only in the West but also in Asia, requires ongoing research and preservation, especially considering its artistic and cultural value in our digital society.
Although seals, once widely used in Western society, are now becoming relics of history, they continue to serve as a link to understanding the lives and thoughts of the people from the past, ensuring that their legacy will be studied and appreciated in the future.
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