Button seals, the development of the seals

a typology of the backs (Wiese 1996: 43-48; Seidlmayer 1990: 185-194)

	Sixth Dynasty	end of Sixth Dynasty	Beginning of First Intermediate Period	End of First Intermediate Period	Eleventh Dynasty	Early Middle Kingdom
small seal in shape of pyramid
button seal with round base and pierced bar on the back
button seal with round base and 'eye' on the back
button seal with round base and 'eye' in form of a figure
seal with rectangular base and 'eye' or pierced bar on the back
base in form of a shild, the back is decorated with an animal
round base, back is round or bell shaped
decorated on several sides