Cylinder and stamp seals played an important role in the legal and social culture of ancient Mesopotamia. These small stone or shell cylinders, usually no more than an inch long, were carved with a unique design to act as the equivalent of an owner's signature. They could then be rolled over the surface of a tablet to make an impression in the wet clay. For centuries, this was the only practical way to see the various inscriptions carved on the seals. Technological innovation has allowed archaelogists to view these ancient seals in a new way. Using a specialized panoramic digital camera to take 360° images of the surface, researchers and archivists are able to discover new revelations about the artistry of the seals.
Using these images, eDream artists are working with museum staff to create an interactive kiosk exhibit to showcase some of these new discoveries.
The exhibit will include an interactive game designed to help visitors explore the various characters on the seals and identify animals & archetypes within "conflict scenes"