Cultural continuity from the Karum period to the Hittite Empire period in light of stamp seals and impressions

Abstract

New archaeological findings have further strengthened the view that the characteristic features of “Hittite” culture and art began to appear strongly in the late phase of the so-called “Kārum period” (late 18th century BC). This art and culture took root from the local Anatolian style, which emerged as a result of the synthesis of the interaction of Anatolian people with the cultures of Northern Syria and Mesopotamia, and continued its uninterrupted existence for centuries. Stamp seals and impressions are one of the most important works of visual art that provide us with the most comprehensive information about the so-called “Hittite” elements seen on many archaeological materials of different qualities. The aim of this study is to analyze both the typological and iconographic characteristics of stamp seals and impressions from other important centers of the period, especially the new finds from Kültepe/Kaneš-Neša. Thus, the results of this analysis on the stamp seal art should demonstrate the effects of cross-cultural continuity from the Kārum period (1950-1710 BC) to the end of the Hittite period (1710/1650-1200 BC). Furthermore, by evaluating both the philological and archaeological findings, it is argued that not only the Hittite artistic style but also the first signs of Anatolian hieroglyphic writing find their roots in the local culture that was influential in the late phase of the Kārum period.