Seal impression (cast)

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This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the Common Seal of the Chapter of Aberdeen Cathedral, dating from the 13th century.

The seal depicts the nativity scene, with Mary, Joseph and the Christ child. The star of Bethlehem shines above. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals are evidence of the paperwork involved in running a complex organisation. They were signs of the medieval Church's huge authority, combining the functions of signature and logo to show that documents were genuine. Common seals were used by institutions for their day to daybusiness.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-180-001-772-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland Part 2
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  K.1999.916
• Date: Date of cast: 19th century; date of seal: 13th century
  
• Material: Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SIGNANT STELLA THEOS PRESEPE PARENS ASINVS BOS
  Seal / cast
  
• Dimensions: 72 mm D
  
• What: Seal / cast
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
  
• Event:
• Description: Brown sulphur cast of the reverse of the Common Seal of the Chapter of Aberdeen, depicting Christ in the manger, 13th century
  
• References:
  • Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 125, no 25 
  • Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 125, no 25. 
• Translations:
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