The Stamp-Seals of Ancient Cyprus

by A T Reyes

Glyptics had a long history in Cyprus; from at least the fourteenth century BC, the island produced seals in significant quantities in a variety of shapes and styles. The cylinders from the Late Bronze Age are well documented, but the stamp-seals which came after them, and preceded the gem industry of classical times, have previously been neglected. This study examines them in order to discover what they reveal about society at the end of the Late Bronze Age when they first appear and the subsequent Iron Age when they proliferated and moved into common use within the island. Reyes discusses the different designs and styles of stamp-seals and their development, local tradition and foreign influence, including a detailed discussion of evidence for Phoenician influence. Also examined are materials and manufacture and the different uses they were put to - inscriptions, sealings, votive practices and personal adornment. There are several appendices and a glossary of terms.