Watch List notes:

Uncertain, 11th century. Seal (Lead, 30 mm, 23.99 g, 12 h). 'Hodegetria', the Mother of God, nimbate, wearing chiton and maphorion, pointing with her right hand towards Infant Christ seated on her left arm, holding a scroll is his right hand. Rev. Kufic legend in three lines, containing 'Bin Ali' in the first line and the Christian name 'Boutros' (Peter) in the second. An impressive seal with an intriguing Kufic reverse legend. Some marks and scuffs on reverse, otherwise, good very fine.


The use of Arabic on Christian seals is rare, but not unheard of. Unfortunately, the reverse inscription is only partially legible, but it contains the words 'Bin Ali' ('son of Ali') in the first line and the Christian name 'Peter' in the Arabic form 'Boutros' in the second.