What is "kunukku"

Kunukku (Akkadian), Kišib (Sumerian) is the term for the cylinder seals use approximately until the overthrow of the Assyrian Empire.

The operation of the Kunukku/Kisib was that an item would be covered in clay and the cylinder seal would be rolled over it creating a continuous impression. This would be harder to counterfeit if broken than would a stamp seal.

The Kunukku could be impressed on clay over the stopper of an amphora of wine, for example; then allowed to dry before shipment. It could also be impressed over twine tying a door shut, thus indicating whether the premises had been entered. As a speculation, a Kunukku with the image of a god might be seen as invoking the god's protection.

The customary materials used were Lapis and Carnelian, worked by a Bur-gul or seal maker.

Contracts were entered on a clay tablet stating the agreement. Those who could attest to the agreement would also be noted and append a seal impression. This was then fire cured into a "brick", which was subsequently covered with clay and seal with a one-time Bur-gul seal Kunukku made of clay, which would be smashed after the use. If a dispute arose, the time cured clay covering could be broken, the witnesses brought forward and the issue resolved.