For thousands of years, intaglio gems served as a kind of signature for their owners. In societies which were largely non-literate, such seals left a unique mark, a means of distinguishing an individual's property or his intent. The images engraved on these gems helped define one's place in the world, one's status, beliefs, or political affiliation. This unusual gem depicts a splendid bird, wings spread, perched atop a rock. Very likely this is a phoenix, a mythical bird famous for being reborn from the ashes of destruction. The phoenix is thus a symbol of resurrection and renewal. Though we can never know the identity of its original owner, we can imagine that person's optimism with this seal hanging from a cord around their neck. As we hold it in our hands today, we connect directly across time with their vanished world.