The Evaluation in Terms of Color Symbolism of a Lapis Lazuli Cylinder Seal from Mardin Museum

Abstract

In Mesopotamia cylindrical seals made of various precious and semi-precious stones are known to have not only official functions such as providing security, approval and indicating private ownership, but also served religious functions, being used as amulets to protect against the evil eye or evil. It is believed that the seals were used as amulets due to the presence of signs, inscriptions and prayers on them, as well as the use of precious and semi-precious stones in their manufacture. The colors of the stones used in the manufacture of seals and the widespread belief that they possess an inherent energy, leads interpretation concerning the functions of these seals to a different dimension. Early societies, who combined the magical effect of stones with seals, believed that the magical powers of these seals came from these precious stones. Lapis lazuli has been used in the production of precious artifacts due to its unique blue color as well as to its rarity, and from early periods onwards. “Blue” was the color associated both with sky and water, representing life and rebirth for early societies. This study focuses on the importance the lapis lazuli stone employed in the making, and of the symbolism of the color blue of a cylindrical seal brought through purchase into the Mardin Museum’s collection.