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As with all items in this collection, this artifact is certified authentic and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Provenance, detailing typology, dating, region, and collection history.
Early Islamic Lead Administrative Seal Umayyad Period Arabic Inscription 7th–8th Century AD
Authentic Early Islamic Artifact – Guaranteed Genuine
Details:
Material: Lead
Culture: Early Islamic (Umayyad Period)
Date: Circa 680–750 AD
Type: Administrative Lead Seal (Bulla)
Overview:
Rectangular lead seal bearing a two-line Arabic inscription in early Kufic script. The lower line appears to include the word:
على
“ʿAlā” – meaning “in charge of” or “responsible for.”
Such seals were used in official administrative contexts to secure goods, tax consignments, correspondence, or state-controlled shipments. The flat reverse and compressed edges are consistent with clamping and sealing onto cords or containers.
Lead seals of this class are associated with provincial governance and fiscal administration during the early Islamic caliphates.
Authenticity:
Lead with stable oxidation and burial patina. Compression edges and die-struck inscription consistent with early Islamic seal manufacture.
Condition:
Worn but legible. Complete. Surface encrustations present.
5-7
