A rare South Arabian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Inscription, Sabaean Culture, South Arabia (modern Yemen), ca. 2nd–3rd century CE Royal would have carried an entirely

would have carried an entirely organic grip of wood and a pommel most probably of bone

Fourth Edition London: Thames and Hudson (2006)

Provenance:  Private New Jersey collection

showing clear signs of use

A rare South Arabian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Inscription, Sabaean Culture, South Arabia (modern Yemen), ca. 2nd–3rd century CE Royal would have carried an entirelyA finely cut circular stamp seal carved from a warm orange banded agate, selected for its striking natural eye motif. The warm amber center, framed by a soft pale halo and darker outer band, not only gives the piece added presence, but no doubt enhanced its role as a personal object. In antiquity, stones with this kind of eye like pattern were often valued for more than their appearance. Across the ancient Near East, the eye was considered a