Discovery
| This Indus Seal was found between 1927 and 1931 during the initial excavations at Mohenjo-daro (map), an Indus Valley site in Sindh province, modern Pakistan. |
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It was discovered by the British archeaologist Ernest Mackay, and dated from the level it was found to roughly 2000 B.C., or the mature urban phase of the Harappan culture. |
| The area where it was unearthed suggests that it might have belonged to some rich person. Mackay thought its owner was a custodian or controller of a nearby large building. |
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Application
| Seals were used for both internal and external trade. A number of Indus seals have been found in ancient Mesopotamia. |
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Impressions of seals ("sealings") were made on ceramics and "tags" used to seal bundles of trade goods.
The impression might have been applied to denote ownership or for security. |
Materials and Manufacture
| The square shape of the seal is the most common form of Harappan seals, although there is great variety in their size and shapes. The perforation in back is for a cord that passed through the center of the handle (or boss). |
| Centered and equal to a third of the area on the seal's back, it runs in the direction of the animal, so when suspended, the representation of the animal is properly oriented. |
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| The usual material for Harappan seals was steatite, a soft stone. Steatite seals and boss were cut into shape by means of a saw from one stone. |
| The boss was rounded with a knife and finished with an abrasive. A hole was then bored to take a cord. Because the boss was liable to be knocked off, the hole was partly drilled into the seal stone to provide more support. |
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| After the inscription was carved into the front of the seal, it was fired, making it extremely hard. Various glazes were also applied throughout the manufacturing process. |
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