The cylindrical stone seals were used in which civilization ?

Cylindrical stone seals were a hallmark of the Mesopotamian civilization, appearing around 3300–3500 BCE. These seals were small stone cylinders, often pierced through the center, designed to be rolled over wet clay to create a continuous impression. They served as marks of authenticity for letters, packages, and administrative records. While the Harappan civilization primarily used square or rectangular stamp seals made of steatite, cylindrical seals are considered an unparalleled artistic and administrative accomplishment of Mesopotamia. Although some cylindrical seals have been found at Harappan sites, they are typically identified as Mesopotamian imports or evidence of long-distance trade contacts between the two regions [2]. In contrast, ancient Egypt was better known for its scarab-shaped seals [5].

Sources

1. [1] Themes in world history, History Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: Writing and City Life > The Seal – An Urban Artefact > p. 19
2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cylinder_seal
3. [5] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 1: Early India: From the Beginnings to the Indus Civilisation > Trade and Exchange > p. 12