This seal, which dates from the 11th century BCE, was used to prove ownership when stamped on vessels or served as a clay seal to close sacks. It is similar in shape to an ancient stone anchor, and it bears markings that resemble ancient Greek script. We do not know how the Philistines, who came to Canaan, wrote but it is possible that these markings represent a script that has not yet been deciphered. In the following centuries, the Philistines used the Phoenician script that was prevalent in our region.