|
Date: |
|
Description: | A cast cu-alloy seal box lid dating from the early Roman period, i.e. circa AD43-200. The outer edges of the seal box led are very corroded, but it was originally a diamond shape, with a lattice pattern across the top. The small diamond shaped depressions in the lattice pattern would have been filled with enamel, a small amount of cream coloured enamel is still apparent in three of these depressions. Originally the enamel may have been of a different colour, however, and the cream colour showing its advanced state of erosion.These are small two piece boxes with hinged lids which were used as a container for wax to protect the contents of the writing tablet from prying eyes. A cord was wrapped around the document and through holes in the side of the box. The knot was contained in the inside of the bottom section of the box - Wax was then poured into the box and impressed with a seal, perhaps from a finger-ring. The lid was closed and the seal was then protected. Seal boxes were generally made of bronze and came in many different shapes, often with elaborate enamelled decoration.
Original Image | Publisher: | http://finds.org.uk | Source: | Portable Antiquities | Identifier: | http://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/r... | Go to resource |
|
More Like this...
-
SEAL BOX
A complete copper alloy diamond-shaped…
-
seal box
A complete copper alloy diamond-shaped…
-
SEAL BOX
A complete copper alloy diamond-shaped…
-
-
-
-
SEAL BOX
An almost complete copper alloy…
-
-
-
|