Old Kingdom Cylinder Seals for the Lower Classes

Abstract

IT HAS LONG been apparent that, in addition to the usual type of Old Kingdom cylinder seal, the surface of which was completely covered with hieroglyphic inscriptions, a second type of cylinder seal came into use before the end of the Sixth Dynasty.' This type shows figures that may, in some cases, resemble hieroglyphs but are employed decoratively; they are often combined in pairs that more usually face inward than outward, and in such cases may be either partly fused (trompe l'oeil) or else reversed head to foot (tete beche). The clearest evidence for the dating of the Old Kingdom examples is the presence of a royal name accompanying the design. Since only two examples, both naming Pepy I, have heretofore been published, one of which presents some problems, it seems worthwhile to exhibit three more that have come to lightespecially since they extend the chronological range.