Early Byzantine Bread Stamp
Stock Number: 3494Circular terracotta bread stamp, with applied grip on the centre back. interesting incised pattern of a trefoil at the centre. Early Byzantine. 6th - 7th Century Similar Example found in The British Museum Reg no. 1881,0719.64 Bread Stamps were originally used for logistics many bakers or families would bake in community ovens, so a stamp baked into each loaf would prove ownership after the loaf. Also they became a source of pride, much like an artist signing a piece of work. Finally in Ancient Rome bread production was regulated, if each loaf had its mark it could be traced back to the baker who could be punished if underweight.
Dimensions: 5cm (H) x 7cm (W) x 7cm (D) Show in inches
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