Study of Figures and Pahlavi Inscriptions on Sasanian Bullae in the National Museum Archive of Iran

Sasanian bullae or stamped clay labels are data that were attached to administrative and commercial letters or packages. Sasanian bullae are indicative of the administrative structure, commerce and other cultural concepts, which usually differ from each other in the sealed figures, size and the number of times they have been stamped. In these data, we encounter the ranks and positions of those who dealt with the clay seals, as well as praises, prayers, geometric symbols, and other cultural phenomena of the Sasanian period. The symbols, especially the dynamic and static representations of animals and humans on the bullae, indicate seals that are characterized by prominence and stability. Among these, some human representations and most animal species are adorned with celestial symbols, wearing a divine covering. Also, the inscriptions on the bullae written in both Pahlavi script-inscriptional and cursive convey the enduring and dynamic culture of Iran and the Zoroastrian faith and other beliefs during that period. These inscriptions also mention the names and recognized administrative positions of this era which despite their simplicity, reflect a well-organized social structure. Nevertheless, what this research presents includes the ranks mentioned on the clay seals, the diversity of names and representations of individuals, the accuracy or inaccuracy of attributing symbols, especially monograms, human busts, and animal species to clergy in some of 50 unregistered archaeological bullae from the National Museum's archive. Although many of these bullae are worn and damaged, reading their symbols, and Pahlavi inscriptions will significantly aid us in reconstructing the social and artistic fabric of the Sasanian kingdom. To achieve this, we utilized library studies and documentation of these data, along with the challenging reading of the Pahlavi inscriptions on the Sasanian bullae. Our aim in writing this article is to examine the sociology of the Sasanian period based on the inscriptions, designs and symbols of the bullae in the archives of the National Museum. To better understand these features, the symbols and inscriptions have been examined. Undoubtedly, since seals represented an advanced administrative structure throughout the Sasanian Empire, their reflection on bullae is an attempt to create culture and commemorate valuable cultural heritage. By examining the unprovenanced bullae held in the National Museum's treasury, it is possible to address, to some extent, certain historical or scientific ambiguities or unspoken aspects. Processing the concepts sealed onto these bullae assists us in better understanding Sasanian culture and society, for instance, by clarifying attributions commonly made when interpreting names and motifs, particularly symbols. To achieve this, we will focus on names, titles, and, among the motifs, monograms and human busts, as well as animal species, especially rams and goats, which reflect the ritualistic foundation of Sasanian society, and the Pahlavi inscriptions on the bullae, which represent name prefixes or family names, inscription symbols or abbreviations, programs or multifaceted attributes, organizational positions, place names, personal names, eulogies, and ideograms (concepts). The present research, adopting a historical and analytical approach to documentation, including photography, design analysis, typology, reading Pahlavi inscriptions, and reinterpreting the historical themes of 50 bullae from the museum's collection, identified by the code 3722 K-B, has been conducted. Here, these bullae are further identified by the addition of sequential numbers.