A rare South Arabian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Inscription, Sabaean Culture, South Arabia (modern Yemen), ca. 2nd–3rd century CE Sculpture - Bronze The figure extends a small

The figure extends a small vessel

imported into Egypt and the Near East from mines in Afghanistan

most commonly

During the Han dynasty

It was honored through mummification and sculpture and was used as the hieroglyphic symbol for the letter M

A rare South Arabian Banded Agate Stamp Seal with Inscription, Sabaean Culture, South Arabia (modern Yemen), ca. 2nd–3rd century CE Sculpture - Bronze The figure extends a smallA finely cut circular stamp seal carved from a warm orange banded agate, selected for its striking natural eye motif. The warm amber center, framed by a soft pale halo and darker outer band, not only gives the piece added presence, but no doubt enhanced its role as a personal object. In antiquity, stones with this kind of eye like pattern were often valued for more than their appearance. Across the ancient Near East, the eye was considered a