Late Chalcolithic and Early Bronze Age Stamp Seals in Western Anatolia

Stamp seals, which are the subject of the study, are instruments with an important documentation and representation feature that have developed in an artistic dimension as a result of the inventions of the first agricultural societies of the Anatolian Neolithic Age. In terms of their function, stamp seals have been used in different materials and features for control, guarantee, authorization and protection within the framework of commercial and communication activities. However, they have always maintained their importance in terms of ensuring the legitimacy of individuals or institutions. In this regard, scientific excavations have been carried out in the Western Anatolian geography. Coast Aegean Bakla Tepe, Çakırbeyli-Küçüktepe, Liman Tepe, Troia ve Yeşilova-Yassıtepe Höyük; Beycesultan, Çiledir Höyük, Höyüktepe, Kusura, Küllüoba, Seyitömer Höyük and Şar Höyük in Central Anatolia; The settlement centers of Aphrodisias, Bademağacı, Hacılar Büyük Höyük, Hacımusalar, Karataş-Semayük and Elmalı Karataş Bağbaşı in Southwest Anatolia were examined under these headings. In addition to this, stamp seals acquired by the museums of Isparta and Burdur were included in this study and were classified and examined. The stylistic features of the stamp seals dated between the Late Chalcolithic Age and the Early Bronze Age phases unearthed in these settlements were examined and their regional characteristics were evaluated. By comparing with similar examples found outside the study area, the form and local-regional decoration were classified as Chevron, Point, Lattice, Herbal motifs, Cross and Geometric motifs by considering the stylistic features and evaluated. Within the scope of the studies, 179 stamp seal finds were examined. As a result, the statistical distribution of the finds are 37,43% Multiple Geometric, 24,60% Chevron, 7,82% Dot, 11,17% Grid, 2,23% Zigzag, 2,23% Floral, 9,50% Cross, 1,12% Ray, 0.55% Meander, 2,80% Swirl and 0.55% Decoration-No Motifs. In terms of chronological development, the Late Chalcolithic Age, EBA, EBA I, EBA II, EBA II-III, EBA III, EBA IV, EBA IV-MBA. The samples belonging to the stratigraphy and a group of seals of unknown period were evaluated within the scope of the study. The dating of the periods is as follows: The Late Chalcolithic 4000-3300 Early Bronze Age 3300-2000 Early Bronze Age I A 3200-2900 Early Bronze Age I B 3000/2900-2700 Early Bronze Age II 2700-2400 Early Bronze Age III A 2400-2200 Early Bronze Age III B / Middle Bronze Age Transition Period 2200/1900-1800 Keywords: Seal, Stamp Seal, Western Anatolia, Late Chalcolithic Age, Early Bronze Age