The Menil Collection The Menil Collection

This object is one of a few surviving Byzantine key chains, and the only one known to include a sealing matrix as well as keys. The four keys are distinct in size and channeling and thus must have matched to four different locks. The seal, which spells the name “Basil,” is of a type typically used to mark the necks of wine jugs, or amphorae. Amphorae were marked for various reasons: to indicate the jug’s ownership or quantity, the wine’s age or quality, or as some other part of the Byzantine Empire’s regulation of its considerable wine trade. In this case, however, the seal was probably used to reinforce the security of possessions belonging to “Basil.” Byzantine locks were simple and easily picked, so a wax seal could be placed over a clasp, hinge, or opening and offer another layer of protection, either in conjunction with or in place of a lock, discouraging potential thieves by making their tampering obvious.