A Comparative Study of the Sassanian Stamp Seal Designs with Drawings in Abd al-Rahman Sufi’s Sovar al-Kavakeb

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

Department of Archaeology, Shiraz University of Arts, Shiraz, Iran.

Abstract

Stamp seals are incredibly significant as a category of archeological finds because of their various motifs and
functions, and inquiry into such glyptic evidence will help reconstruct different aspects of human life. During the
Sassanian period, stamp seals were made of precious and semi-precious stones in different shapes and designs. In
this descriptive, comparative and analytical study, the data was collected through library research, and the authors
attempted to study, analyze and compare the designs on several Sassanian stamp seals with the depictions of
constellation signs in Abd al-Rahman Sufi’s famous book Sovar al-Kavakeb. The results show strong similarities
between the considered glyptic designs and astronomical symbols. On account of the Sassanian’s deep belief in
astrology and the role the constellations played in their lifestyle and ruling system, it is conceivable that such
stamp seals served apotropaic purposes and were related with Sassanian’s astrological beliefs connected with
predicting good and bad days. The main purpose behind the application of these designs was most probably to
seek the support and protection from constellations. Associating these glyptic designs with constellations is further
supported by a series of animal motifs such as scorpions, snakes and bears which did not held any position in the
Sassanian belief system, demonstrating that these motifs were designed for astrological prognostications. For
example, from the Sassanian point of view, the motif of scorpion and snake form the class of vermin, and devilish
animals and bears symbolize ruin and corruption. Therefore, such evil representing motifs were employed for no
reasons other than their relation to the constellations and astrological prophecies.

Keywords

References

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Iranian Journal of Archaeological Studies
Volume 13, Issue 1
2023
Pages 107-116

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