LEON KUSKIN

The art of stone engraving has been recognized since ancient times. The Old Testament depicts the stones with engraved names of the Israelites on the seal-ring of the High Priest. In Babylon and the states of Mesopotamia stone cylindrical seals were engraved. Images and inscriptions were deep imprinted and provided relief impressions on earthenware plates... Besides their practical application, these plates were of aesthetical value, and they brought scenes and events of the antiquity to our days. People also believed in the power of minerals and allotted them extra properties... The antique sphere of knowledge existing till now is astrology. The stones were amulets, and engravings enforced the power of their impact. Some stones, such as nephrite, cornelian, agate, organic compounds, amber and nacre were known as possessing medicinal properties.