A small artefact of precious or semiprecious stone in a variety of shapes, bearing an incised design or pictorial scene on one or more surfaces. It was used as a seal by impressing the decorated surface on raw clay, in the context of bureaucratic and commercial transactions. Sealstones were widely used in the civilisations of the prehistoric Aegean. The scene often has a religious symbolism, while sealstones of valuable materials, like gold signet rings, are associated with illustrious members of the ruling class, indicating that they exercise political and religious authority.