Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor Department of Archaeology, University of Kashan. Kashan, Iran

Abstract

The Shahrood Museum holds 32 Sasanian clay bullae that were confiscated in 2005. These bullae hold invaluable information, contributing substantially to our understanding of Sasanian seals and sealing practices. The primary objective of our current research is to determine the methods by which the bullae were affixed to documents or packages. We also endeavor to thoroughly analyze the iconography depicted on these bullae and to establish their relative chronology. This article presents an in-depth, descriptive-analytical overview focusing exclusively on the collection of clay bullae in the Shahrood Museum. Each motif is carefully examined to underscore the importance of these bullae. Following the meticulous cleaning process, the inscriptions on the bullae will be deciphered and subsequently published in a separate article. The results of our study reveal that among the 32 clay bullae, 11 bear inscription, while 20 feature animal motifs (both real and mythological), symbols, and devices. The margins of 20 seal impressions contain inscriptions. Notably, the inscription on one bulla has vanished due to erosion. During the preliminary examination of the clay bullae at the Shahrood Museum, we have identified 60 seal impression. The bullae that bear multiple sealings consist of one large or principal sealing and several smaller and subsidiary sealings around the central main sealing. Most of the bullae exhibit one sealing, with only one bulla featuring seven sealings. The sealings bear ‘administrative’ and ‘Personal’ seals

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