Originally an offering at the shrine of a powerful deity, this votive seal was discovered with a cache of related artifacts along the shores of Lake Van in Armenia. The cult most likely centered around a nature god, one concerned with fertility and rebirth. The design that adorns them—of birds, animals, cult idols—probably stood in proxy for more costly sacrifices. Pressed into soft clay or wax, they would have created multiple images to win the favor of the god. Carved with an abstract simplicity but an observant eye toward nature, the stark visual appeal of this piece is timeless. These seals represent dreams, hopes and aspirations for health, success, and happiness that are as old as civilization itself. Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at the shrine of some powerful god.Originally an offering at the shrine of a powerful deity, this votive seal was discovered with a cache of related artifacts along the shores of Lake Van in Armenia. The cult most likely centered around a nature god, one concerned with fertility and rebirth. The design that adorns them—of birds, animals, cult idols—probably stood in proxy for more costly sacrifices. Pressed into soft clay or wax, they would have created multiple images to win the favor of the god. Carved with an abstract simplicity but an observant eye toward nature, the stark visual appeal of this piece is timeless. These seals represent dreams, hopes and aspirations for health, success, and happiness that are as old as civilization itself. Evoking the dawn of Western culture, these apparently were offerings at the shrine of some powerful god.