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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2012.1.43
Title
Bone Seal Lock
Classification
Tools and Equipment
Work Type
lock
Date
1st-4th century
Period
Roman Imperial period
Culture
Roman
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/178398

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Bone
Technique
Carved
Dimensions
2.74 x 1.86 cm (1 1/16 x 3/4 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
The Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University (before 1970-2012), transfer; to the Harvard Art Museums, 2012.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Transfer from the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection, Department of the Classics, Harvard University
Accession Year
2012
Object Number
2012.1.43
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
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Descriptions

Description
This seal lock is made up of two rectangular pieces of bone, a rectangular base, and a rectangular lid that could be moved, all joined with a copper stud. There is some green discoloration.
Commentary
This lock did not function as a lock in the traditional sense (where an individual needs a key or a code to open the lock), but it did provide some measure of security. Wax was put in the circular hole behind the lid and impressed with a signet ring. The lock would have been attached to a door, container, or other object in such a way that these could not be opened without breaking the seal.

Publication History

  • John Crawford, Sidney Goldstein, George M. A. Hanfmann, John Kroll, Judith Lerner, Miranda Marvin, Charlotte Moore, and Duane Roller, Objects of Ancient Daily Life. A Catalogue of the Alice Corinne McDaniel Collection Belonging to the Department of the Classics, Harvard University, ed. Jane Waldbaum, Department of the Classics (unpublished manuscript, 1970), BI51, p. 144-45 [J. A. Lerner]

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu