Roman Seal Capsule, Bronze with Enamel

Roman Seal or Wax Capsule, Bronze with Enamel

Based on an original find, this functional wax capsule was reconstructed with coloured glass inlays. The capsule protected a wax seal with which papyrus scrolls, Vindolanda boards, wax tablets or other important documents were sealed.

For example, contracts or deeds were tied up under witness and secured with a seal to exclude later manipulation. For this purpose, the two-part tablet was closed with a string and knotted inside the seal capsule. The seal was placed on the knot with wax and the lid of the capsule was closed. In this way, the seal was protected and the tablets could not be opened again without destroying the cord.

Handmade from bronze and enamelled in colour, fully functional.  Size approx. 28 x 22 x 10 mm.