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THREE ACHAEMENIAN TAGS

The three Achaemenian tags here published are not entirely new. Other examples of the same kind, identical even as to the seals impressed upon them, have been published before. But the progress in the art of reproducing such objects and the fact that the new pieces contribute some details which are not recognizable on the previous reproductions is justification enough for this paper.

Tags are small lumps of clay-all these we are concerned with here are triangular in shape-flattened on two sides. The flat sides, and the upper edge and the side edges as well, are used for the impression of seals. Invariably the pieces show small holes through which originally a string passed. Thus, the tags were attached to a larger object, such as a container (with merchandise or with tablets), or perhaps tied around the neck of an animal.1

We possess tags from various periods. Those with which we have to deal here are dated to the Achaemenian period by the seal impressions they bear.2 With most of them the provenience is unknown, since they were purchased from dealers. But, if the pieces mentioned below under No- 4 come indeed from Tello (ancient Lagash),3 all the other pieces should come from the same place.

The new tags may be described as follows:

    (1) Crozer Theological Seminary 200.4 39 : 35 : 20 mm. Small stringholes in the upper corners. Impressions of four different seals: (a) and (b) on the two flat sides, (c) on the upper edge, two impressions of (d) on either side edge. Photos of all impressions marked with these letters on plate XI, right half.

    (2) YBC5 9901.46 : 40 : 22 mm. Stringholes, widened by breaks, on either end of

1. On the purpose and use of tags and similar objects see C. E. Keiser, Cuneiform Bullae . . . (Bab. Rec. in the Library of J. P. Morgan 3) ; M. Rostovtzeff, Seleucid Babylonia (Yale Classical Studies III [1932], pp. 1-114) ; R. H. McDowell, Stamped Objects from Seleucia on the Tigris (University of Michigan, Humanistic Series 36 [1935]).
2. For a discussion of Achaemenian seals see C. J. Gadd in A Survey of Persian Art, I, 383-8; H. 		    Frankfort, Cylinder Seals, 220-3; A. Moortgat, Vorderasiatische Rollsiegel, 77-80
3. So Scheil, Rev. Bibl., 10, 567. But, have Achaemenian objects ever been found there?
4. Thanks for the authorization of this publication are due to President E. E. Aubrey of Crozer Theological Seminary and Professor J. B. Pritchard, the director of the museum at Crozer where the object is kept.
5. I.e., Yale Babylonian Collection.

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