Ancient Bactria, AE stamp seal, 2300–2000 BC

Bactrian bronze stamp seal from around 2300–2000 BC, a fine example of early administrative and trade tools from Central Asia

Weight & Dimensions: 21.77 g, impression face is 21 – 27 mm, height is 25 mm

Impression face decorated with a geometric motif of curving, teardrop-like elements forming a dynamic swirling pattern

Excellent condition, with smooth patina and clear relief carving – Extremely RARE for an object of this age

🔶 Context & Function

These stamp seals are characteristic of the Oxus (Bactria–Margiana) Civilization, centered in modern-day northern Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. They were likely used to seal containers, textiles, or documents — a means of controlling goods and authenticating ownership or authority within early trade and production systems

By the mid-3rd millennium BC, such stamp seals were gradually replaced by cylinder seals, which allowed continuous rolling impressions — a more efficient method for marking larger surfaces and more complex scenes

🔶 Significance

This particular seal’s abstract, non-figurative pattern is typical of early Bactrian art, representing a transitional phase between simple geometric decoration and the more elaborate iconography of later Bronze Age Central Asia. Seals like this underscore the organizational sophistication and long-distance trade networks linking Bactria with Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and Iran

Provenance: Central Asia (Bactria / present day Southern Uzbekistan)

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