An Inquiry into the Patterns of Life Tree on the Seals in Ancient Elam

Abstract

The evolution of various forms of life tree in history and prehistory, particularly in oriental cultures, has been recognized as a symbol of life, thought and perfection thanks to commonly understood concepts such as seed germination, extension of the tree branches in the sky and penetration of the roots in the ground. The present research aims to identify and explain the symbols represented in the motifs shown on the seals of ancient Elam. To this end, first the role and place of trees in different cultures was briefly explained. Basically, the issue of life tree was selected mainly due to its frequency of usage in the seals of Elam. Data were mainly gathered based on library sources and reliable websites and were then analyzed descriptively. The results indicated that the life tree on the Elam seals is a motif implying a divine concept turning, in the course of time, to a religious belief. The tree-like form alludes to the idea of productivity and fertility in Elam civilization.

Keywords

• life tree
• seals of ancient elam
• productivity and fertility
• elam gods