Ancient "3d printing" Technique (Cylinder Seal VA-243)

This ancient analog Sumerian "3d printing" seal can be used to quickly print & share information into mud, wet sand and clay! You can use the steps in this tutorial to make a seal with your own design for example logo/message/cartoon etc. or make a replica of one of the ancient Sumerian seals. Don't forget to share it here on Thingiverse!

The steps in the tutorial can also be used for converting 2d pictures, illustrations, patterns, etc. into 3d printable bracelets, lithophanes and other round shaped things

The oldest found seals are around 3500 B.C. engraved with written characters or figurative scenes or both, used in the ancient times to roll an impression onto a surface, generally wet clay. The seal I used in this tutorial is named: VA 243 (Its named that way because it is number 243 in the collection of the Vorderasiatische Museum in Berlin)

What can be learned from this model?:

- Ancient visual way of teaching and storytelling - Ancient technology for quick spreading of information - How to use these seals - Simple way of analogue "3d printing/stamping" - Ancient 3d printing technique

What can be learned from this Tutorial?:

- Tracing 2d image - Converting 2d into 3d object - Bending/rolling 3d models - variety of free (3d) software - Make your creations printable

Controversial knowledge:

- The Sumerians had advanced astronomical knowledge of the planetary bodies in our solar system - The seal is showing Niburu / Planet X Readers of Zecharia Sitchin’s books, particularly The 12th Planet, will recognize the above seal, VA 243. This seal is the centerpiece of Sitchin’s theory that the Sumerians had advanced astronomical knowledge of the planetary bodies in our solar system. This knowledge was allegedly given to the Sumerians by extraterrestrials, whom Sitchin identifies as the Anunnaki gods of Sumero-Mesopotamian mythology. In the upper left-hand corner of the seal, Sitchin argues, one sees the sun surrounded by eleven globes. Since ancient peoples (including the Sumerians according to Sitchin) held the sun and moon to be “planets,” these eleven globes plus the sun add up to twelve planets. Of course, since we now know of nine planets plus our sun and moon, part of Sitchin’s argument is that the Sumerians knew of an extra planet beyond Pluto. This extra planet is considered by Sitchin to be Nibiru, an astronomical body mentioned in Mesopotamian texts. Sitchin’s works detail his contention that Nibiru passes through our solar system every 3600 years, and so some believers in Sitchin’s theory contend that Nibiru will return soon. Some followers of Sitchin’s ideas also refer to Nibiru as “Planet X”. Is Sitchin correct – in whole or in part? Continue reading why some say he is wrong: http://www.sitchiniswrong.com/VA243seal.pdf If we leave the right or wrong about the planets in the middle, this piece is still a fascinating piece of history and the print speed of this technique is amazing! ;)

Ancient "3d printing" Technique (Cylinder Seal VA-243)

The steps in the tutorial can also be used for converting 2d pictures, illustrations, patterns, etc. into 3d printable bracelets, lithophanes and other round shaped things

What can be learned from this model?:

What can be learned from this Tutorial?:

Controversial knowledge:

Start printing like a ancient Sumerian today!

Tag: clay