Harappa Archaeological Research Project

HARP (Harappa Archaeological Research Project) a group of scholars from a variety of fields dedicated to advancing the study of the ancient Indus Valley civilization.

Two gold beads

These two gold bead were originally part of the same ornament. Thin gold foil was placed over the outside of a sandy core around a copper tube (H2000-4382/2087-02, Mound E, Trench 54).

Inscribed Ravi sherd

The origins of Indus writing can now be traced to the Ravi Phase (c. 3300-2800 BCE) at Harappa. Some inscriptions were made on the bottom of the pottery before firing. Other inscriptions such as this one were made after firing. This inscription (c.

Black basalt pebble

A black basalt pebble found in the excavations in Trench 54 has a few faint traces of gold colored streaks that may indicate it was used as a touchstone. Pure gold has a strong yellow-orange streak, while alloyed gold yields a slightly different hue.

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