Explain why the peoples of Mesopotamia used cylinder seals.

To manage commercial and administrative exchanges

Seal cylinders were somewhat like our signatures or stamps today. In Mesopotamian civilization, these small engraved cylinders were used to mark and validate commercial transactions: purchases, sales, loans, or various agreements on clay tablets. Basically, everyone would roll their seal on the fresh clay to say, "yes, it's good, I confirm the transaction!" This helped scribes and administrators easily keep track of the management of goods and stocks. In short, it was their practical way of having a clear proof of who took what, who owed what, and what was officially agreed upon. Convenient and effective for avoiding misunderstandings or tricks.

To assert a personal and social identity

Seal cylinders functioned somewhat like the personal signature of the inhabitants of Mesopotamia. Each individual, especially those with a high social status, had their own cylinder engraved with specific motifs, often representing their name, titles, or even particular family symbols. Essentially, it was a clear and quick way to say, "This document, this property, or this merchandise, I am the one who signs it!" And since each drawing or motif was unique, it was practical for marking one's social rank and showing everyone their importance or wealth. The more finely decorated a cylinder was, the more it expressed the prestige and identity of the person.

For religious and symbolic practices.

The Mesopotamians used seal cylinders to depict religious scenes and myths on clay. It was a way to symbolize their beliefs and show their connection with the gods. By rolling the seal on the clay, sacred images were reproduced, much like a talisman or a prayer in visual form. Some cylinders were also used to invoke divine protection or to ward off the evil eye, by engraving symbols with strong spiritual significance. These small sculpted objects were therefore much more than decorative: they played an essential role in the ritual and symbolic life of the inhabitants of Mesopotamia.

To secure assets and authenticate documents.

The peoples of Mesopotamia used seal cylinders as a sort of personalized key, difficult to forge. When they sealed a deposit, a door, or a container, they were sure that no one could tamper with their belongings without leaving obvious traces. Each cylinder bore unique designs engraved on it, similar to our signature today. Thus, applying one’s seal on soft clay ensured the authenticity of a document or ensured that an object remained intact. It was a clever way to avoid scams and clearly show who owned what.

To express and disseminate artistic patterns.

The seal cylinders were much more than just tools: they were true little works of art. They allowed Mesopotamian artisans to easily reproduce decorative patterns, often very elaborate. Stylized plants, mythical animals, war scenes—each used their own artistic style, reflecting the fashion and tastes of their time. Thanks to these cylinders, very popular artistic patterns could circulate quickly between different regions and influence other artists. One can even see the trends and aesthetic evolution of Mesopotamian civilizations over several generations.