Publisher： Cambridge University Press
E-ISSN： 1474-0540|2|2|191-210
ISSN： 0959-7743
Source： Cambridge Archaeological Journal, Vol.2, Iss.2, 1992-10, pp. : 191-210
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Abstract
This article explores the relationship between design structure and meaning in Middle Assyrian seals. In a discussion of style and meaning in art a structural distinction is proposed between designs which convey a message and designs which affirm reality. The development of the seals of the thirteenth century BC is described, and a change in the composition of the scenes is interpreted through a linguistic analogy. At first, the seals bore a specific message about the victory of predators over prey; later, the same design elements were used in random combinations to produce a reduced range of meanings.
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