Small Lead Seals and Sealing in Early Medieval East-Central Europe

This article discusses the use of small lead seals (seal tags) in early medieval Poland for commercial and customs control in the context of an economic crisis. The introduction of sealing goods by the Piasts is explained by its cultural transfer from Rus’. Polish commercial lead seals were in use synchronously with Hohlpfennigs from the middle of the 13th to the middle of the 14th century. Their design systematically reflected signs and symbols on bracteates and differed significantly from other small seals of Drohiczyn type from Rus’. The extraordinary number of small lead seals found at Drohiczyn possibly reflects a short- -term relocation of trade routes caused by military conflicts.