Scottish Seal Casts and Impressions
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Glasgow Museums has a collection of 61 impressions and casts of seals which originate from Scotland and relate to the country's government and nobility. The seals date from between 1877 and 1976 but represent the medieval period from about AD 1200 to 1500. This collection contains fragile copies of seal casts and impressions made from gutta percha, rubber, and plaster. The seals are commonly round, usually measuring no more than 4cm across, and unlike a coin, or token, bear only one decorated face carrying a name, status and location. Although made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the people and places that they celebrate embrace both medieval and modern Scottish history relating to Scottish monarchs and nobles, cities and towns, colleges and universities, and cathedrals, abbeys, priories and churches. In addition to the Scottish seals, the collection also holds one seal from England and three from Europe which further correspond to Scotland's relationships with neighbouring kingdoms during this period. Seals were symbols used to represent power and were attached to important documents by way of signature and approval.
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