Ancient Sassanian Seal Pendant

An ancient Sassanian seal circa 200 CE-700 CE, carved in agate featuring a profile portrait of a bearded man, possibly intended to represent a provincial governor or other high-ranking official contemporary to the original owner, an ID supported by the laurel framing the top of the portrait. While seals depicting animals were often used in Sassanian cultic practice for amuletic purpose, seals such as this were more likely used for practical applications such as to validate personal agreements and business transactions.

I feel a thrilled sense of awe to hold something in my hand that was worn a millennia or more ago. With the contemplation of how much of human history has passed between the moment of its creation, and the delicate weight of it now in my hands, comes a sense of responsibility towards preserving it for future generations.

Details: The seal itself measures approximately 3/4" high by 7/8" wide, but has a pendant drop of about 1 1/2" including the silver bail and large jump ring. The seal does have a slight back and forth movement on the sturdy silver wire going though the channel, which was drilled by the stone carver to accommodate the original sinew or bail that would have allowed the owner to wear it. We acquired the seal with its current silver fittings, these were likely added sometime in the last 100 years as they are not the original to the piece.

Condition: In excellent condition, safe for daily wear. There are a few abrasions and chips along the edges of the seal, and general wear as evidence of its incredible history, but nothing obviously disfiguring. Please examine photos.